The NBA makes to return to China next October with two preseason games in Macau, featuring the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, marking the league’s first games in the country since 2019.
This development follows the fallout from a controversial tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who expressed support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
The incident led to the NBA being removed from Chinese television, resulting in significant financial losses for the league.
Despite the controversy, basketball remains incredibly popular in China, and the relationship between the NBA and the country has gradually improved. Reports credit NBA China chief executive Michael Ma, who assumed the role in 2020, with rebuilding ties. The games are set to take place on October 10 and 12 at the Venetian Arena in Macau, a venue linked to the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate, which is controlled by the Adelson family, the majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks.
This return highlights a renewed partnership between the NBA and China, with aspirations to reestablish the league’s influence in one of its most significant international markets. The South China Morning Post reports that the games are part of a multimillion-dollar agreement to host two annual NBA preseason matches in Macau over the next five years. Deputy NBA Commissioner Mark Tatum emphasized the importance of Macau’s fan base and the role of Sands China in supporting the initiative.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously hinted at the league’s return to China during a sports management conference, acknowledging the earlier challenges but reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to its values. As part of its global expansion strategy, the league has also hosted preseason games in Abu Dhabi and secured Emirates Airlines as a sponsor for its in-season NBA Cup tournament.
China remains home to a massive basketball fanbase, with 28 NBA preseason games played across the country between 2004 and 2019. Macau, a special administrative region under China’s “one country, two systems” framework, is renowned as China’s gambling hub, contributing significantly to its economy. While Macau’s multi-billion-dollar gambling industry remains its main attraction, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has encouraged the city to diversify its economic activities.
Be the first to comment