After a six-year absence caused by political tensions, the NBA has made a cautious return to China, staging two preseason games in Macau between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.
The games are held at the Venetian Arena, part of the Sands China property, under a five-year agreement with the casino operator. The return is seen as both symbolic and strategic: symbolic because it marks the end of a freeze in relations triggered by a controversial 2019 tweet supporting Hong Kong protests; strategic because China remains one of the biggest markets for the NBA.
Reasons for choosing Macau
Macau offers a kind of middle ground. It’s a special administrative region under China and can be part of Chinese territory while offering a degree of separation from the mainland for politically delicate events. Also, Macau has been under pressure to diversify its economy beyond gambling, and bringing big-name sports like the NBA helps boost non-gaming attractions.
Fan interest and reception
Public response seems strong. The games are sold out. Fans have turned out to see players arriving, and there’s visible enthusiasm. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said there’s “tremendous interest” in China in these games. Also, the league is combining the games with fan-oriented events: exhibitions around music, fashion, technology, clinics, fan experiences.
Challenges and caution
Though the inflection is positive, there is caution. The NBA is reportedly treating this as a “test run” to see how re-entry into China can go smoothly without repeating past missteps. The fallout from the 2019 incident still looms, both in public memory and in official policy.
There are also logistical issues. The NBA has stated that regular-season games in Asia are less likely due to travel demands and scheduling constraints.
Implications forward
If successful, these Macau games could open the way for more frequent preseason or exhibition NBA activity in China. It might also pave the way for expanded partnerships: media, tech (e.g. using AI and cloud platforms to enhance fan experience) and broader audience engagement.
For China, this provides a way to reintegrate the NBA into its cultural life while maintaining control over how and where events occur. For the NBA, one of its biggest overseas fan bases, there’s strong financial incentive to restore full engagement.
In summary, the Macau games are more than just preseason matches. They are a carefully calibrated test of whether NBA can reignite its relationship with China in a way that respects political sensitivities and rebuilds fan and sponsor trust. If the test is positive, this could mark the beginning of a sustained return.
