Key facts
- The NBA held two preseason games in Macao between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets.
- Basketball is extremely popular in China, with an estimated 300 million people playing the sport.
- The NBA's return to China follows a six-year hiatus after a political controversy in 2019.
- The games were held at the Venetian Arena in Macao.
- Notable attendees included former NBA great Yao Ming, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, and Jack Ma.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has made its return to China with two preseason games held in Macao between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets. This marks the league's comeback after a six-year hiatus, following a political controversy in 2019 that led to its effective ban from one of its most lucrative international markets. The games, held at the Venetian Arena, drew thousands of fans and provided a significant platform for Chinese technology and sportswear companies to engage with the audience and build their brands. Basketball is immensely popular in China, with an estimated 300 million people playing the sport. The 2019 incident involved a tweet by Daryl Morey, then-general manager of the Houston Rockets, supporting anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, which resulted in Chinese state media canceling broadcasts, stores removing merchandise, and sponsorships being cut. Over the past three years, the NBA has gradually re-entered the Chinese market, culminating in these Macao games. The event also featured an NBA House fan zone with various brand activations and activities. Notable attendees included former NBA star Yao Ming, actor Jackie Chan, and Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, among others. The league plans to hold more games in Macao and potentially mainland China in the coming seasons.