The NBA is set to make a comeback in China with pre-season games scheduled to take place in Macau starting in October 2025. This marks the first return of the NBA to China since October 2019 and is part of a five-year agreement between the league and Sands China, one of the six casino licensees in the special administrative region.
The Brooklyn Nets will face off against the Phoenix Suns in the first game at Sands China’s Venetian arena. This event will bring back the excitement of NBA basketball to Chinese fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of these games.
The relationship between the NBA and China dates back to 2004 when the first NBA game was played in the country as part of an effort to expand the sport’s global reach. However, in 2019, the NBA faced backlash from the Chinese government and sponsors after then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey made comments about the Hong Kong anti-government protests.
Despite the controversy, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver chose not to punish Morey, leading to Beijing halting the broadcast of NBA games in China and causing many sponsors to withdraw their support. This decision had a significant financial impact on the league, costing as much as $400 million the following year.
While the NBA has had a presence in China for many years, with regular-season games being played in cities like Shanghai and Beijing, only one pre-season game has ever taken place in Macau. The upcoming games in Macau will provide fans with a unique opportunity to experience NBA basketball up close and personal.
As a preview to the upcoming pre-season games, a celebrity game will be held in Macau featuring legendary players such as Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, and Tony Parker. This event will give fans a taste of the excitement to come in October when the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns take to the court in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
Overall, the return of the NBA to China signifies a new chapter in the relationship between the league and its Chinese fans. With the support of Sands China and the enthusiasm of basketball fans in Macau, the upcoming pre-season games are sure to be a success and will help to reignite the passion for the sport in China.