What’s the Truth Behind Zhao Lusi Alleged Contract Takeover by Alibaba?

Is Alibaba Taking Over Zhao Lusi’s Contract? 

Rumours have been swirling online that Alibaba is about to take over Zhao Lusi’s contract — sparking endless speculation across Threads, Weibo, and even international fan spaces. 

The talk comes amid Zhao Lusi’s ongoing dispute with her current agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment (银河酷娱), which she has previously criticised for poor management, delayed pay, and questionable work arrangements.

The latest spark came from posts claiming Alibaba, through one of its cultural subsidiaries, was preparing to “absorb” Zhao Lusi’s contract. 

Fans quickly linked this with her recent issues with Galaxy Cool, fuelling theories that the star might jump ship under the massive Alibaba umbrella.

But is it actually happening? Not quite.

According to searches conducted via Baidu, there’s no direct evidence of Alibaba acquiring Zhao Lusi’s personal contract. 

The reports indicate that while Galaxy Cool has ties to Alibaba through a connected company called Beijing Dayu Happy Culture (北京大鱼快乐文化), there’s no record or filing showing Alibaba’s management taking over her affairs.

The Real Structure Behind the Connection

A March article from Sohu breaks down how this link works. 

On paper, Galaxy Cool looks like a small agency, but its shareholder web reveals deep connections to Alibaba’s entertainment empire.

Beijing Dayu Happy Culture, one of its major shareholders, sits comfortably inside the Alibaba Pictures–Youku–Taopiaopiao ecosystem. 

That’s why Zhao Lusi’s major hits like Love Like the Galaxy (星汉灿烂) and Who Rules the World (且试天下) premiered on Youku — a clear example of corporate synergy in play.

However, as the report stresses, this is structural support, not personal control. In simple terms, Alibaba helps open doors for bigger projects and resources, but it doesn’t directly handle Lusi’s schedule, career decisions, or public responses.

Not the First Time This Has Happened

It’s important to understand that agency takeovers or contract acquisitions are nothing new in the Chinese entertainment industry. 

Major tech companies like Alibaba and Tencent often strengthen their influence by acquiring smaller agencies. 

These moves ensure top actors and idols work within their own streaming ecosystems, keeping the entire production–distribution–talent chain in-house.

That said, Zhao Lusi’s case is not one of those — at least, not yet. 

Galaxy Cool still holds her contract, and despite the chaos, there’s no legal or corporate document confirming a transfer to Alibaba.

What Could Happen Next

Now, could Alibaba eventually gain control? Theoretically, yes.

Think of Galaxy Cool as a house full of keys (shares). Alibaba currently owns a few keys, but not enough to open every door. 

If they start buying more — increasing their shareholding — they could become the main owner, effectively taking charge of the whole house, including Zhao Lusi’s contract.

That scenario is possible if Galaxy Cool faces deeper internal problems or restructuring. But for now, there’s no sign of that happening.

So far, Alibaba’s involvement with Zhao Lusi is corporate, not contractual. 

She benefits from the company’s vast network, which grants her access to premium drama projects and strong production budgets. 

However, her day-to-day management remains with Galaxy Cool, and all rumours about Alibaba “taking over” her contract are just that — rumours.

From a business angle, a takeover isn’t off the table if her agency keeps facing internal turbulence. 

But for now, the actress stays under Galaxy Cool, with Alibaba merely standing in the background as part of the structural ecosystem — not the boss.

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