Jul 12, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chinese National Team guard Wu Qian (33) dribbles during the second half of an NBA Summer League game against the Phoenix Suns at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

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NBA returns to China with preseason games in Macau after 6-year absence

NBA returns to China with preseason games in Macau

The NBA is returning to China for the first time since 2019, with preseason games scheduled in Macau. This marks a significant step in re-establishing the league’s presence in a country that was once one of its largest international markets.

Why the NBA stopped operations in China

The NBA’s operations in China were halted in 2019 following a tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, supporting Hong Kong protests. The tweet led to immediate backlash, with Chinese broadcasters suspending all NBA games and corporate sponsors severing ties.

NBA returning to China for pair of Suns-Nets preseason games in 2025, AP source says https://t.co/7UYpKxPiBh pic.twitter.com/by4tcdHFU6
— Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) December 6, 2024

This severely impacted the league’s revenues, as China had been one of its most profitable markets, contributing billions of dollars annually.

Since then, the NBA has faced financial losses and challenges in re-entering the market. The preseason games in Macau signal the league’s attempt to rebuild its ties and regain its footing in this key region.

Strategic choice of Macau for the games

Macau was chosen as the host location due to its unique status as a special administrative region. While not subject to the same restrictions as mainland China, it remains closely connected to Chinese audiences.

This allows the NBA to engage fans without immediately involving major Chinese broadcasters, which have yet to fully restore ties with the league.

The NBA is just the latest business to learn that China won’t play ball if you try to dunk on their regime.

Full coverage: https://t.co/cq1ububOGd pic.twitter.com/qZRQLCz2mp
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) October 10, 2019

The games in Macau also provide a controlled environment for the NBA to gauge fan interest and evaluate the current political and business climate before committing to larger-scale events in the mainland.

Challenges in the NBA’s return

Re-entering the Chinese market comes with several challenges. The league must carefully manage its reputation, balancing its financial interests in China with the expectations of global stakeholders who criticized its handling of the 2019 controversy.

The games in Macau serve as a test to assess both fan reception and the willingness of Chinese authorities to collaborate with the NBA once again.

Image: © Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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NBA comes to China after 6 years

NBA returns to China

Natasha Bose

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