Exchange Database

Metta World Peace enjoys China treat, poised for new name

Metta World Peace is going to have a new name in China. The new high-profile import playing for Chinese basketball Association club Sichuan Blue Whales is named Ron Artest but intends to change his name to "Panda Friend" in honor of his move to China.
Outcomes: 
The news of Artest's joining CBA was closely followed by Chinese web users as 8,960,000 entries for "Metta World Peace signs with CBA" were recorded on Baidu.com. The news also went viral on China's social media as the topic "World Peace signs with CBA" got 25.75 million hits on Sina Weibo and an official account called "Metta_World_Peace", credited as "NBA star, serves for New York Nicks" by SinaWeibo, were followed by 967,204 followers. As CBA's highest paid import player, the "Panda Friend" has signed a one-year deal with Sichuan Blue Whales worth $1.43 million, becoming the league's latest big name after Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady.
Source: 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2014-08/06/content_18267731.htm

Government?: 
No
Type of Exchange: 
business
Partners: 
Sichuan Blue Whales
Participants (Types): 
Ron Artest (a.k.a. Metta World Peace)
Exchange Date: 
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Continuing: 
No
Image: 
Location: 
Wenjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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