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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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