NBA to host preseason games in Macao five years after league was effectively blocked from China
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to re-enter the Chinese market with two preseason games scheduled for October 2025 in Macao, marking its first games in the region since a diplomatic fallout in 2019. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will face off on October 10 and 12 at the Venetian Arena, accompanied by the opening of an NBA Flagship Store in the area.
Bringing preseason games to Macao will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports, NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum said in a press release. He highlighted the mix of established and rising stars on both teams and emphasized the league’s commitment to engaging with the local community through events, youth programs, and social impact initiatives.
Basketball has a massive following in China, making the league’s return a significant step in reconnecting with a key market. The NBA had previously been a fixture in the region, with 17 teams playing 28 games in China between 2004 and 2019. However, the league’s relationship with China soured after a tweet by then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s refusal to punish or censor Morey sparked a backlash from Beijing, leading to a year-long blackout of NBA games on China’s state broadcaster and significant revenue losses, estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Hong Kong protests of 2019, which brought hundreds of thousands into the streets, were seen by Beijing as Western-backed efforts to destabilize the region. The movement was effectively quashed in 2020 following the imposition of a sweeping national security law. Macao, like Hong Kong, is a special administrative region with unique autonomy under Chinese governance.
The NBA’s return to the region signals a thawing of tensions. This weekend, a Legends game featuring six former NBA stars will also take place in Macao, further solidifying the league’s presence.
Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks expressed enthusiasm for the preseason games, highlighting the global fanbase and the opportunity to immerse players and coaches in a new culture. Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the team’s vision to expand its global reach and connect with fans worldwide.
The games in Macao represent a crucial step for the NBA in rebuilding its presence in a region where basketball remains a beloved sport.
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