Dortmund takes shot at giant market for new fans

The German Bundesliga soccer giant Borussia Dortmund announced on Monday that it is looking to team up with Chinese companies and social organizations to expand its fan base and promote its brand in China.

The team is the latest toptier European soccer club to seek its way into the Chinese market in the midst of China’s ambitious plan to become a soccer power.

“As a sports club with a history of more than 100 years, we are now aiming to develop more market potential in China,” Carsten Cramer, director of sales and marketing of Borussia Dortmund, said in Guangzhou, where the club will play against Italy’s AC Milan in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday.

The German club signed a marketing agreement with Chinese bike-sharing company Ofo Inc, famous for its yellow bicycles, during its second trip to China. The team’s colors are yellow and black.