Heat deal with Tsingtao beer may foreshadow exhibition tour to China

Heat's star power opens doors to lucrative opportunities in Asian market

MIAMI — The Heat have expanded their business to China, and their game may soon follow.

A multi-year marketing partnership announced Tuesday between the team and Chinese beer company Tsingtao could be a prelude to a Heat exhibition tour as soon as next year.

"We're not in control of that, the NBA is. But we have every reason to believe that we are high on the list of teams that they'll be inviting over to China, if not next year certainly soon," said Eric Woolworth, Heat president of business operations. "I believe it's in the pipeline."

The glitzy media event, which was to be broadcast on Chinese Central Television and featured the Heat's Big Three stars and top executives participating, made it clear the agreement with Tsingtao (pronounced CHING-DOW) is much more than another sponsor putting its name on signs at AmericanAirlines Arena. LeBron James presented a basketball signed by the Heat to Tsingtao president Sun Mingbo, who gave the Heat forward a beer stein.