NBA M3 - Chapter 525: Business Expansion: Investing in Justin.tv (Patreon)

Aside from the first basket he deliberately gave away, Blake shut out every fan he faced one-on-one.

For a moment, those fans experienced pure despair and even thought, Screw the basketball dream!

But that feeling only lasted for an instant.

Afterward, having experienced Blake’s overwhelming ability up close and seen just how high a player’s potential could reach, the fans came away with clearer goals for their own futures and renewed hope.

Everyone began looking to Blake as a role model, with surpassing him as the ultimate goal.

And of course, the fans had also wanted to see their idol put on a show, display his dazzling offense, and toy with the people challenging him one-on-one.

Watching him play from such close range had been an experience in itself.

The entire event lasted three full hours before finally coming to an end, much to the fans’ reluctance.

Blake was very satisfied with how the event had gone, especially after seeing how motivated everyone had become to improve.

The fans were even happier about getting the chance to interact with Blake up close.

And those who had actually played him one-on-one and managed to score a basket against him were so excited they could barely sleep.

That one basket was something they could brag about for a year.

Maybe even for the rest of their lives.

...

Blake’s fan event drew enormous attention.

It was even featured on the sports program Basketball Park, allowing many fans who hadn’t been able to attend in person to see Blake on television.

Either way, Blake’s plan to give back to his fans was now complete.

And that was only one of the things he had planned after returning.

Without wasting any time, Blake had his agent Austin get in touch with Mike Breen, Van Gundy, Hubie Brown, and Dave Pasch.

Austin joined him as well.

From Beijing, Blake and Austin arranged an online meeting with the four commentators.

“Blake, you said earlier that you had something you wanted to discuss with us. What exactly is it?”

Mike Breen asked.

“Uh...”

Blake gathered his thoughts for a moment before answering.

“I’m planning to create a dedicated basketball section on Justin.tv.

“I want basketball broadcasts to stop being limited to television.

“The internet is becoming more and more important, and watching live events online is eventually going to become the norm. I think the potential for online sports streaming is huge.

“But when it comes to basketball broadcasts, you obviously need commentators.

“And honestly, most ordinary commentators aren’t good enough for what I have in mind.

“So I’d like your help.”

Blake’s words served two purposes.

First, he was telling Mike Breen, Van Gundy, and the others that online basketball broadcasting had enormous potential and relatively little risk.

Second, he was making it clear that he had complete confidence in their commentary skills.

The four of them had already been willing to work with Blake, so they had no reason to refuse.

“Of course I’m interested.”

Mike Breen smiled.

“We’re living in the information age now. People use the internet to watch television, follow live events, get news, and keep up with what’s happening around them.

“That’s the direction things are going. It’s inevitable.

“Basketball will be no different.”

“Exactly.”

Van Gundy nodded.

“Justin.tv has grown quickly over the past few years, and it’s already become a fairly well-known streaming platform.

“I think basketball broadcasts on Justin.tv could attract a very large audience.”

“It’s a great idea.”

Dave Pasch agreed.

Hubie Brown adjusted his glasses and smiled.

“I’d be happy to give it a try too. I actually think online broadcasts might work even better.”

“Good.”

Blake nodded.

“Then let’s consider that settled for now.

“As for salaries and everything else, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied when the time comes.”

“No problem.”

“That part’s easy enough.”

...

With the commentary team settled, Blake moved on to Justin.tv itself.

And now was the time.

The next day, after Austin made the arrangements, he and Blake joined an online meeting with Justin.tv CEO Michael Seibel.

“Good to meet you both.”

Michael Seibel welcomed them with a smile through the video call.

And there was a very good reason for that warm reception.

Blake intended to invest in Justin.tv and become one of the company’s shareholders.

Justin.tv was still in a period of rapid growth and badly needed outside investment.

Even so, Michael had never imagined that one of the people looking to become a shareholder would be only nineteen years old.

He couldn’t help but marvel at how much Blake had already accomplished at such a young age.

“Uh...”

Blake thought for a moment, then went straight to the point.

“I’m willing to invest 400 million.

“Two hundred million will go directly into Justin.tv as a whole.

“The other two hundred million will be used to create a dedicated basketball section on the platform, starting with live basketball broadcasts.

“Later on, that could expand into basketball video game streams, jerseys, merchandise, and other related content.

“But that can come later.

“For now, that two hundred million will cover everything involved in launching the basketball section, including acquiring broadcast rights, promotion, and the rest of the operating costs.

“I’ll provide the money, and you’ll handle the operations.

“So when it comes to profits from the basketball section, I’ll take eighty percent and you’ll take twenty percent.

“And before the project becomes profitable, if that entire investment gets burned through, I’ll absorb the loss.

“All I ask is that you take the project seriously and operate it properly.

“That’s just the basic idea. We can go over the contract and all the specific details once you agree.

“What do you think?”

“Uh...”

Michael considered it for a moment before smiling.

“So basically, you want to use the traffic our platform already has to start a new business while remaining a completely hands-off owner?”

“Exactly.”

Blake nodded without hesitation.

“Hehehe~”

Michael rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Basketball streaming, huh?

“Up until now, aside from traditional sports broadcasts, very few platforms have managed to make this kind of thing profitable.

“But things are different now.

“You’ve achieved incredible success in the NBA, and because of you, interest in basketball is rising rapidly.

“So I can see the potential.

“And you’re willing to take all the financial risk while leaving the actual operation to us.

“If you trust me that much, why wouldn’t I accept?”

“So you agree?”

Austin asked.

“Yes.”

After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, Michael agreed.

Blake reminded him again.

“Michael, you can still think about it some more.

“I’m taking eighty percent of the profits. You’ll only be getting twenty.”

“Mm.”

Michael nodded.

“Twenty percent certainly isn’t a huge share, but I’m not taking on any of the financial risk.

“If the project does well, I simply collect twenty percent of the profits.

“That’s hardly a bad deal.

“And this is our first time working together. If I get greedy over a little extra profit and end up driving away a major shareholder like you, that would be the much bigger loss.”

He had a point.

Justin.tv had only been established for a relatively short time, so Blake’s willingness to invest 400 million was a significant amount.

Michael’s reasoning also made sense.

Blake was simply too lazy to handle everything himself and preferred being a hands-off owner.

Otherwise, when it came to the basketball streaming market, he could have built the entire operation himself.

The audience might have been smaller at first, but as long as there was enough demand and interest, it would eventually become profitable.

The only question was how long it would take.

Now Blake was assuming all the risk while Justin.tv still received twenty percent of the profits.

There was no real reason for Michael to refuse.

And for Blake, the entire arrangement was simply a way to save himself the trouble.

“Haha!”

Blake smiled.

“Well then... I look forward to working with you.”