NBA Set to Make Long-Awaited Return to China with Nets-Suns Preseason Matchup
It’s official: the NBA is heading back to China for the first time since 2019, and fans couldn’t be more excited. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will face off in two preseason games this October in Macao. This marks a significant milestone in the league’s efforts to rebuild its relationship with China after a tumultuous few years.
For those who may not remember, the NBA’s ties with China hit a major snag back in October 2019. Then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet supporting protests in Hong Kong, sparking a political firestorm. The league, led by commissioner Adam Silver, stood firm in its support for freedom of expression, but the fallout was swift and costly. Lucrative sponsorships disappeared, and NBA games were temporarily pulled from Chinese broadcast television. The financial impact? Hundreds of millions of dollars lost over the following seasons.
Fast forward to today, and it seems the NBA has been working hard behind the scenes to mend fences. Sources credit NBA China CEO Michael Ma, who took the reins in 2020, as a key figure in improving the relationship between the league and China. His efforts, along with those of Silver and Nets owner Joe Tsai, have paved the way for this historic return.
Why Macao? A Strategic Choice
The games will take place at the Venetian Arena in Macao, a venue with its own NBA history. Back in 2007, the Orlando Magic played the Chinese men’s national team there, followed by a matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Magic. Now, the arena is set to host two of the league’s most exciting teams, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, in what promises to be a thrilling preseason showdown.
But there’s more to this choice than nostalgia. The Venetian Arena is part of the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate, which is controlled by the Adelson family—majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, who also serves as the chief operating officer and president of Las Vegas Sands, played a pivotal role in securing this partnership. According to sources, the collaboration between the NBA and Sands will extend beyond the games themselves, including youth development programs and social impact initiatives aimed at teaching basketball and its values to children in Macao.
Basketball’s Popularity in China
Despite the challenges of the past few years, basketball remains a beloved sport in China, and the NBA’s fan base there is as passionate as ever. In fact, basketball is the most popular sport in Macao, making it the perfect location for the league’s return. From 2004 to 2019, 17 NBA teams played a total of 28 preseason games in China, underscoring the league’s long-standing connection to the region.
Both Silver and Tsai have been vocal about their optimism regarding the NBA’s return to China. Their confidence has now been validated with the announcement of these preseason games, which are sure to draw significant attention from fans and media alike.
What’s Next?
As the NBA prepares for its return to China, all eyes will be on the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. These two teams are no strangers to the spotlight, and their matchup in Macao is sure to be a must-watch event. Beyond the games themselves, the league’s renewed presence in China represents a broader effort to rebuild and strengthen its global brand.
Here’s a quick recap of what we know so far:
- The NBA will return to China for the first time since 2019 with two preseason games in Macao.
- The games will feature the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns and will take place at the Venetian Arena.
- The NBA’s relationship with China has improved in recent years, thanks in part to NBA China CEO Michael Ma.
- The partnership with Las Vegas Sands will include youth development programs and social impact initiatives in Macao.
- Basketball remains the most popular sport in Macao, and the NBA’s fan base in China is as strong as ever.
With the league’s popularity in China still going strong, this return feels like a win-win for everyone involved. Fans in Macao will get to experience the excitement of live NBA action, while the league takes another step toward repairing its relationship with one of its most important international markets. October can’t come soon enough!
Originally Written by: Tim Bontemps
