The National Basketball Association (NBA) will make its comeback in China with two preseason games between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns in Macau next October. This marks the league’s first games in China since 2019.
Background and Context
The NBA’s return to China follows a six-year absence sparked by a tweet from former Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey supporting the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. The incident led to the NBA being taken off Chinese television until 2022, resulting in significant financial losses.
Key Developments
- Improved Relations: The relationship between the NBA and China has improved, thanks in part to NBA China Chief Executive Michael Ma, who was hired in 2020.
- Multimillion-Dollar Agreement: The games in Macau are part of a multimillion-dollar agreement to stage two annual NBA preseason matches over the next five years.
- Growing Global Presence: The NBA has been expanding its global reach, including playing preseason games in Abu Dhabi and partnering with Emirates Airlines for the NBA Cup.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum stated, “The most important fan base for the NBA is here in Macau, and we have a partner in Sands China that is investing in sports.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously expressed his intention to bring back games to China, saying, “We had a well-known incident there pre-pandemic with a tweet, and China’s government took us off the air for a period of time. We accepted that. We stood by our values.”
