NBA Returns to China with Preseason Games After Five-Year Hiatus

The NBA is set to make its comeback to China next October, marking a significant milestone five years after a geopolitical controversy strained its relationship with the country.

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will participate in two preseason games scheduled to take place at the Venetian Arena in Macao. This marks the league’s first return to the region since 2019. The venue is under the ownership of the Adelson family, who also control the Dallas Mavericks. Their collaboration with the NBA extends beyond hosting the games, as they plan to launch youth development programs and social impact initiatives in Macao, highlighting a renewed focus on community engagement.

This move comes after years of careful negotiations and diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust. Key to these efforts has been NBA China CEO Michael Ma, who has played a pivotal role since assuming his position in 2020.

Revisiting the 2019 Controversy

The league’s break from China traces back to a contentious tweet on October 4, 2019, by former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. His statement supporting protests in Hong Kong ignited a backlash from the Chinese government. The Rockets, once revered in China due to their ties to basketball icon Yao Ming, quickly became persona non grata. Additionally, NBA broadcasts were pulled from Chinese television, severing a major revenue stream for the league.

The incident also sparked political debates in the U.S., with lawmakers accusing the NBA of compromising American values of free speech to preserve its business interests. Domestic protests against the league’s perceived compliance added to the turmoil.

Before the fallout, the NBA had established a robust presence in China, hosting 28 preseason games there between 2004 and 2019. These efforts had positioned the league as a global leader in basketball outreach, especially in one of its most lucrative markets.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming preseason games symbolize more than just a return to normalcy—they represent a strategic step in rebuilding the league’s international reputation and reclaiming its position in the Chinese market. For fans in Macao, this event is a rare opportunity to witness high-caliber basketball while fostering renewed enthusiasm for the sport.