According to recent data from Alibaba.com, nearly two-thirds (63%) of former athletes struggled to secure a new career after retiring from sports. Although 76% believed they had transferable business skills, only just over half (52%) currently ran their own ventures.

The Athlete365 Business Accelerator programme functioned as a business incubator, preparing current and former professional athletes with the skills necessary to launch and manage their own businesses. As the programme's first partner, Alibaba.com introduced a comprehensive training scheme centred on e-commerce and global trade. This training delved into essential business areas such as AI tools, global sourcing, and B2B export via digital marketplaces.

Through this programme, Alibaba.com aim to empower over 1,000 athletes and former athletes worldwide. Additionally, Alibaba.com provided 50 exceptional candidates with Business Accelerator packages valued at $10,000 each. These packages offered logistics, operational, and sourcing training, along with credit, to help candidates achieve sustainable, long-term growth.

Kuo Zhang, President, Alibaba.com, said: "At Alibaba.com, we have witnessed many individuals without a business background become highly successful SMEs using our services and tools. Athletes, known for their courage, determination, and positive mindset in sports, bring these same essential traits to the business world. Their focus and resilience give them an edge as entrepreneurs. We at Alibaba.com are keen to support athletes in harnessing their skills to achieve success in their entrepreneurial pursuits.”

Kaveh Mehrabi, Director of the Athletes' Department at the International Olympic Committee, said: “We’re excited to bring Alibaba.com on board as a partner for the IOC’s Athlete365 Business Accelerator program. By equipping athletes with the right training and skills through Alibaba.com’s mentoring programme and digital tools, together, we will give aspiring athlete and Olympian entrepreneurs the boost they need to start their own businesses. The initiative serves as a strong demonstration of our shared commitment to build on the expertise of our TOP partners to empower athletes to build successful second careers.”

To help bridge the divide between sport and commerce, Alibaba.com will offer participants of the Business Accelerator programme mentorship opportunities with senior executives and global teams from Alibaba.com, as well as with its Global Ambassadors – all of whom have successfully transitioned from sport to entrepreneurship. The Alibaba.com Global Ambassadors include Tony Parker, a two-time Olympian; Elias Schwärzler, a professional mountain biker; and Simona Galik Moore, a former professional tennis player.