Hong Kong is abuzz with football fever as two highly anticipated matches – Liverpool vs AC Milan tomorrow and Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal next Thursday at the Kai Tak Stadium – get under way.
Adding to the excitement, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to visit next month for the Saudi Super Cup. The city is alive with activities, from specially decorated buses to fan-led initiatives creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Football has firmly captured the hearts of Hongkongers, and this passion presents untapped potential to boost the city’s economy and deepen ties within the GBA.
Legacy meets modern appeal
Football has always been Hong Kong’s passion, from its golden era producing legends like King of Asian football Lee Wai-tong, Ko Po-keung and Leslie Santos to today’s electrifying matches against India, Korea and Japan. The recent India clash said it all – a roaring red sea of fans, a giant dragon tifo, and a last-gasp winner that set social media ablaze, thanks to the Football Association of Hong Kong’s Gen Z, fan-driven marketing team.
Now, imagine harnessing that energy, following mainland China’s blueprint where amateur leagues drive both economic growth and community spirit.
Lessons from mainland football leagues
Across China, provinces like Jiangsu, Guizhou, and Jiangxi have organized amateur football leagues that attract thousands of fans, including visitors from neighboring regions.
Despite featuring amateur players, these matches have become significant attractions, with tickets officially priced from 5 yuan (HK$5.48) to 10 yuan but resold for as much as 600 yuan. More importantly, these events fuel travel and consumption. Travel packages bundling food, accommodation, entertainment, shopping, and transport have driven significant growth, drawing corporate sponsors and international media coverage.
With its advanced infrastructure, passionate fan base, and strategic position in the GBA, Hong Kong is well-positioned to replicate and even expand on this success.
The case for a Greater Bay Area League
The SAR could lead the creation of a GBA League, building on its rich football tradition and past exchanges like the iconic Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup.
With a GBA population of 87 million and seamless cross-border infrastructure, the league has immense potential.
Amateur matches could serve as a foundation, tapping into Hong Kong’s diverse pool of players, from corporate executives to grassroots enthusiasts, who have matches from time to time. Fans have already demonstrated their marketing skills during the Hong Kong vs India match, where a small team of supporters organized viral social media campaigns and merchandise sales, including slogan T-shirts like “Go Hong Kong!”
Football as an economic engine
A GBA League would not only reignite local football culture but also boost to Hong Kong’s struggling catering and retail sectors, drawing visitors from across the GBA and beyond, driving demand for local businesses and creating jobs.
By capitalizing on its passionate fan base and collaborating with GBA partners, Hong Kong can transform its love for the sport into a powerful economic and social engine.
A GBA League would showcase the region’s collective strength, revitalize industries and strengthen ties across borders. With the right vision and execution, Hong Kong can lead this initiative, demonstrating football’s unparalleled ability to unite people while driving growth and prosperity for the city and the GBA.
