NBA will return to China with pre-season games in Macau
The NBA is set to make a highly anticipated return to China in 2025, thanks to a newly inked five-year partnership with the Venetian Macao, a premier property under Sands China.
According to a report from the South China Morning Post on December 6, the NBA will host two exciting pre-season games at the Venetian Macao, commencing in October 2025. The matchups will feature the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, taking place at the state-of-the-art 14,000-seat Venetian Arena.
The league previously held games across major Chinese cities from 2004 to 2019, making this return a significant milestone in NBA’s international outreach.
“Bringing pre-season games to Macau will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports,” stated Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. “We have a long-standing relationship with China, and we’re excited to reignite that connection.”
This relationship, however, faced challenges in 2019 when the controversy surrounding Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey’s support for Hong Kong protests led to the league being sidelined by the Chinese government. Following that, the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, especially as Macau’s borders remained closed until January 2023.
A Welcome Return for Enthusiasts
The NBA games in China commenced in 2004, making a significant impact over 15 years, with matches held in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Although the league briefly appeared in Macau in 2007, this upcoming partnership marks a renewed foothold in the region.
“So the return now through a partnership with Sands China, I think, is fantastic for the fans,” Tatum remarked. “It offers an invaluable opportunity for fans in Macau to experience live NBA basketball once again.”
Basketball enjoys immense popularity within China, with millions tuning in to follow their favorite teams via streaming platforms. Notably, the Houston Rockets cultivated a substantial fanbase in 2002 after signing Shanghai native Yao Ming, who became an eight-time NBA All-Star.
As reported by WION News, China stands as the largest global market for NBA sports, underscoring the importance of this strategic return.
Collaboration for Mutual Benefits
The reintroduction of the NBA is pivotal for Sands China as they work to diversify entertainment options in Macau, aligning with governmental directives to enhance the local tourism and entertainment landscape.
Patrick Dumont, President and COO of Sands, successfully brokered the deal, an initiative described by the Dallas Morning News as a form of “ping-pong diplomacy.” Dumont, a part owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks alongside Miriam Adelson, reflects the collaborative spirit driving this endeavor. Notably, Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group, owns the Nets, adding to the synergy among key stakeholders.
Dumont expressed optimism regarding the collaboration, calling it a “win-win-win,” where the NBA, the city of Macau, and China all stand to benefit.
Looking Ahead: Possibilities for Mainlander Games
As for future expansions, Tatum conveyed that the NBA has “no current plans” to return to cities on the Chinese mainland. “We have a limited number of teams and opportunities to play internationally,” he noted. “That being said, our extensive history of games in mainland China leaves the door open for consideration down the line. But for now, our focus is firmly on Macau.”
In celebration of this event, basketball legends Tony Parker, Ray Allen, and Tracy McGrady participated in a celebrity game on December 7, marking the significance of the NBA’s return to the region.
The US-based Sands Corporation is set to leverage this partnership by promoting events through an NBA Flagship Store located at the Londoner Macao, one of Sands’ five properties in Macau, thus enhancing its visibility and reach in the vibrant Asian market.
