PORT ADELAIDE has been recognised as a top-20 world leader in sports innovation, thanks to its venture into China and upcoming historic game in Shanghai.



London-based global sports publication Sports Business International recently named Port Adelaide chairman David Koch 11th in the world for innovative development the sports industry.



The judging panel deemed Port Adelaide being the first ever professional foreign team to arrange to play a regular-season game in China as a leading innovation in the ever-changing sporting landscape.



Among the publication’s other top 20 industry-leading world sports influencers were EPL club Leicester City’s chief executive Susan Whelan, Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and Facebook’s head of sports partnerships Dan Reed.



Koch told portadelaidefc.com.au it’s an honour to be recognised by such a reputable publication and it reiterates the significance of the historic game Port Adelaide will host in Shanghai this year.



“For our club to be recognised at this level, among some of the world’s most elite sports innovators, is a humbling accolade for Port Adelaide and our wider China strategy,” he said.



“It’s a testament to the incredible amount of work from many people within the club as well as the support we’ve received from the AFL, our fantastic corporate partners and the Australian and Chinese governments and of course our community who have backed and trusted us along the way.



“Port Adelaide has always challenged, broken new ground and this is just another example of that spirit, only this time it is Port Adelaide on a global stage.



“We’re incredibly excited about our ongoing relationship with China and the opportunities it will bring in continuing to develop and influence the future of our great game.”

Port Adelaide will play a historic game for premiership points against Gold Coast in Shanghai on 14 May 2017. For information on travel packages, please click here.



