NBA Returns to China with Historic Games in Macau

MACAU, China, Oct 09, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to return to the Chinese market this weekend for the first time since 2019, staging two preseason games in Macau.

The Brooklyn Nets will face the Phoenix Suns at the Venetian Arena, part of a five-year deal with Las Vegas Sands’ Macau unit. The games, scheduled for Friday and Sunday, mark the first NBA fixtures in Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub, since the 2007-2008 season.

This return comes after a lengthy absence triggered by political turmoil and a controversial social media post from former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who expressed support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The NBA’s relationship with China deteriorated, leading to a suspension of broadcasts and a loss of sponsors.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the importance of the Chinese market, stating, “There’s tremendous interest throughout China,” highlighting that around 300 million people play basketball in the country. The NBA hopes these games will reinforce its presence in a crucial market.

In conjunction with the games, the NBA and Chinese technology giant Alibaba announced a multi-year partnership. Alibaba will provide artificial intelligence and cloud computing services to enhance the NBA experience on its app in China. This collaboration aims to transform fan engagement and signals a thawing of relations.

<p fans are excited about the return of NBA action. Longtime fan Lyu Yizhe from Xiamen expressed, "It feels extra special because we’re long-time NBA fans—we’ve been watching since 1998." Another fan from Hangzhou, Mole Zeng, added that he expects more star players to visit China in the future.

Aside from the games, the event will feature a five-day festival showcasing basketball, music, fashion, and technology, including appearances from NBA celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal. NBA Fan Day will take place on Saturday, focusing on engaging with local fans, while the newly opened NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macao will allow fans to purchase exclusive merchandise.

As the league aims to rekindle its relationship with China, the focus will be on growing the fan base and making basketball a centerpiece of cultural exchanges, exemplifying the power of sports in bridging divides.