The NBA Returns to China After 2019 Fallout: Excitement Builds for Pre-Season Games in Macau
After more than five years of absence, the NBA is set to make a triumphant return to China with two pre-season games scheduled in Macau next October. This announcement comes as a significant milestone since the fallout in 2019 when the league was effectively cut off from Chinese audiences due to a controversial tweet supporting pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Mark Tatum, the NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, revealed this exciting news during a press conference at the Londoner Hotel in Macau on December 6, 2024. The games will feature the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns facing off at Sands’ Venetian Arena on October 10 and October 12, 2025. This decision marks a significant step towards rebuilding the relationship between the NBA and China.
Passionate NBA Fans in Macau
Macau, known as the Las Vegas of China, is a special administrative region under the “one country, two systems” framework. It is home to some of the most passionate NBA fans in the world, according to Tatum. The Venetian Arena, where the games will take place, is part of the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate, controlled by the Adelson family, who are also the majority ownership group in the Dallas Mavericks.
Improved Relations and Multimillion-Dollar Agreements
Reports suggest that the relationship between the NBA and China has improved significantly, thanks to the efforts of NBA China chief executive Michael Ma, who was hired in 2020. The agreement to stage two annual NBA pre-season matches over the next five years in Macau is part of a multimillion-dollar deal, as reported by the South China Morning Post. This collaboration has been described as a historic partnership between two iconic global sports brands.
Excitement and Skepticism Among Fans
Basketball fans in Beijing have welcomed the news of the NBA’s return to China, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness top-level basketball action once again. However, some social media users remain skeptical about the future of NBA games on the mainland, expressing doubts about the relationship between China and the league.
Future Prospects and Global Expansion
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed optimism about bringing more games to China in the future, emphasizing the league’s commitment to its values and global growth. As the NBA continues to expand its reach worldwide, the upcoming pre-season games in Macau signify a significant step towards reconnecting with Chinese basketball fans and rebuilding a strong partnership with one of the largest basketball markets in the world.
The NBA’s return to China is not just about basketball; it represents a renewed opportunity for cultural exchange, sports diplomacy, and the power of sports to transcend boundaries and bring people together. As fans eagerly await the games in Macau, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow, signaling a new chapter in the enduring relationship between the NBA and its Chinese audience.
