Macao to Host NBA Preseason Games as League Rebuilds Ties with China

Macao Welcomes the NBA Back After a Long Hiatus

After a major pause in the action and a series of ups and downs, the NBA is making its return to China next October. This is big news, especially considering what happened back in 2019 when a single tweet sent ripples through the basketball world and put a significant strain on the league’s relationship with one of its most lucrative markets. Yes, you guessed it — we’re talking about the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns squaring off in some preseason games at the Venetian Arena in Macao.

A Complex History

So, let’s rewind a bit to understand why this return is such a big deal. In 2019, former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey stirred things up on social media with a tweet that read, “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.” During a time of intense protests in Hong Kong against the Chinese government, this innocent tweet turned into a full-blown firestorm. The reaction was swift: the NBA rushed to distance itself from Morey’s comments, and the Rockets faced backlash, despite their ties to Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming. The fallout was immediate — NBA broadcasts vanished from Chinese TV, and the league faced widespread criticism from both fans and lawmakers in the U.S. for seemingly bowing to pressure from China.

New Beginnings

Fast forward to now, and it’s safe to say that the NBA has been working overtime to mend fences. Since 2020, Michael Ma, the NBA’s China CEO, has been leading the charge to rebuild the league’s image in the region. The plan seems to be working! The details about these games reveal a collaborative effort, with the Adelson family — who run the Venetian Arena where the games will be played, and also own a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks — teaming up with the NBA. There are discussions about launching youth development programs and engaging in social impact initiatives in Macao, further cementing the relationship between the NBA and its Chinese audience.

What to Expect

So, what will the games look like? Well, it’s still early, but these preseason matchups are expected to serve as a platform, not only for showcasing the talents of the Nets and Suns but also as a way to ignite excitement among fans in Macao. The league hasn’t held any games in China since that infamous 2019 tweet, so there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding this return. It feels like a fresh chapter — like dusting off a favorite old book and diving back into its pages.

Looking Ahead

The Nets, owned by Taiwanese billionaire Joe Tsai, are eager to engage with fans and bring energy back to the NBA in Asia. For the players, it’s a chance to grow their international fan base and experience the vibrant culture that Macao has to offer. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, bringing the best of basketball back to a country that has long embraced the sport.

Wrapping It Up

As we look forward to the games in October, it’s hard not to feel a sense of optimism. After years of turbulence, it seems like the NBA is finally ready to sweep the dust off its relationship with China and get the basketball rolling once again. With a renewed focus on community and development, these upcoming games could signal a bright future for the NBA in one of its most significant global markets. So, gear up, basketball fans! Macao is about to steal the spotlight.