HSBC has expanded its investment in global sports sponsorship after becoming the presenting partner of the China Open, adding one of Asia’s premier tennis tournaments to a growing portfolio of high-profile sporting properties.
The long-term agreement will see the global banking group become a leading commercial partner of the combined ATP 500 and WTA 1000 event from the 2026 edition, reinforcing both HSBC’s commitment to the Chinese market and the tournament’s ambitions to elevate its international profile. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as the China Open celebrates its 20th anniversary and embarks on a long-term strategy to establish itself as Asia’s leading tennis event while strengthening its standing on the global tennis calendar. Tournament organisers also view the partnership as a vehicle to further position Beijing as a major international sporting destination.
For HSBC, the deal represents another strategic addition to a sports sponsorship portfolio that spans tennis, golf, rugby and football. The bank has significantly increased its presence in global sport over the past year through partnerships including LIV Golf, India’s Rugby Premier League, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in India and Singapore, and the appointment of Virat Kohli, Emma Raducanu and Zhou Guanyunew as a global brand influencer. The China Open further strengthens HSBC’s presence in tennis, a sport that continues to provide premium hospitality, international visibility and access to affluent consumer audiences.
Brendan Nelson, Group Chairman of HSBC, said, “HSBC is proud to become the Presenting Partner for the China Open – one of the most important combined ATP and WTA tournaments in the world. It has set the stage for remarkable performances that have elevated professional tennis, significantly broadening the appeal of the sport across China and inspiring the next generation of talented players. For 161 years, HSBC and China have moved forward together. We look forward to building on that valued legacy and working closely with the China Open and wider partners to support its continued success.”
Bi Yong, Director and General Manager of Beijing Capital Group, added, “Beijing Capital Group and HSBC Group first joined forces in 2004 and have since built a 22-year partnership. HSBC’s new role as the Presenting Partner of the China Open represents a mutual pursuit driven by shared values and a common vision. We firmly believe that HSBC’s involvement will bring fresh global perspectives and renewed momentum to the tournament, while further broadening and deepening our cooperation with HSBC across other sectors. Looking ahead, using the China Open as a bridge, we will actively explore integrated pathways that combine finance, sports, and urban services, and establish a benchmark model demonstrating central local synergy, industry finance integration, and mutual reinforcement between culture and sports.”
Founded in 2004, the China Open is China’s flagship tennis tournament and the country’s only ATP 500 event, alongside a mandatory WTA 1000 competition. The 2026 tournament will take place from September 13 to October 11 in Beijing and will also feature ITF Junior and ITF Masters competitions as organisers continue expanding the event’s international footprint.