BEYOND Expo 2025: Ex-NBA player Meta World Peace discusses basketball, entrepreneurship, and China during the Global Investment Summit.

      Credit: BEYOND EXPO

      On Friday, Meta World Peace, previously known as Ron Artest, shared insights into his distinctive transition from NBA champion to entrepreneur during a panel at a Global Investment Summit. Recognized for his tenacious defense and championship success with the Los Angeles Lakers, Meta discussed the background of his notable name change and reflected on his basketball career as well as life after sports. He mentioned that his name change stemmed from a personal journey of self-discovery. “I was experiencing a lot in my life and wanted to find myself,” he remarked. Influenced by Buddhism, he adopted the name Meta World Peace to embody his newfound mindset. “It was a way for me to embrace peace, and I proudly displayed World Peace on the back of my jersey.”

      Meta reminisced about his NBA career highlights, which included winning a championship with the Lakers and being awarded Defensive Player of the Year. He also fondly recalled playing with basketball icon Yao Ming during his stint in China, commending Yao’s humility and commitment despite his status as a superstar.

      Meta’s relationship with China goes beyond basketball. After retiring from the NBA, he played a season in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Sichuan Blue Whales, where he developed a loyal fanbase and earned the title “Friend of the Panda.” He also mentioned his active presence on Chinese social media, expressing a desire to regain control of his Weibo account to reconnect with fans.

      Regarding his business journey, Meta highlighted the similarities between his competitive athletic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. Following retirement, he pursued additional education in digital marketing and business analytics to gain a better understanding of the corporate landscape. “I realized mastering business would take years just like basketball,” he stated.

      Today, Meta operates a private equity and management services firm that aims to form partnerships with athletes and institutions. He co-founded 37 Partners, a brand lab and digital marketing company based in Hong Kong, which focuses on empowering athletes to take ownership of their brands instead of merely being sponsored. His business partner, Matthew, indicated that their objective is to localize content for Chinese audiences, leveraging China’s thriving social commerce ecosystem to assist athletes in achieving financial independence and sustained brand value.

      When discussing the China market, Meta characterized it as a center of innovation and opportunity, praising platforms like Little Red Book for successfully merging content with commerce. “Chinese fans adore the NBA, but athletes must connect authentically,” he expressed.

      Asked about the challenges of conducting business amidst geopolitical complexities, Meta maintained a hopeful outlook. “Life is a challenge, but I concentrate on the prize,” he stated. With a business in Hong Kong and ambitions to expand into mainland China and the US, Meta perceives the future as filled with opportunities rather than hurdles.

      The panel concluded with Meta emphasizing the significance of execution, collaboration, and flexibility for young individuals and entrepreneurs. His transition from basketball courts to corporate boardrooms exemplifies a relentless drive and enthusiasm that continues to shape his legacy both on and off the court.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter located in Shanghai. She covers sectors such as consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Connect with her via e-mail: [email protected]. More by Jessie Wu.