Tensions between the NBA and China escalated after a pro-democracy tweet was endorsed by a team official in 2019, straining their relationship.
Published On 10 Oct 2025
After a six-year hiatus triggered by political controversy, the NBA made a triumphant return to China with a preseason showdown between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns in Macau, drawing a full house of enthusiastic supporters.
This event marked the first of two games held in Macau, symbolizing the NBA’s efforts to rebuild its presence in one of the world’s most valuable basketball markets, where approximately 125 million people actively engage with the sport.
David Jin, a 26-year-old tech professional from nearby Shenzhen, expressed his excitement: “The energy here is incredible. I’ve followed the Suns for years. The NBA should host more games in mainland China. If it’s close by, I’ll definitely come out to support.” Jin revealed he invested around 5,000 yuan ($700) on tickets and travel expenses.
The crowd at the Venetian Arena erupted in cheers for four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker, while also eagerly anticipating the debut of 22-year-old Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo, representing the Nets.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the league’s enduring appeal in China, stating, “The enthusiasm for the NBA across China remains exceptionally strong.”
Adding to the cultural exchange, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez described the trip as a valuable chance to experience a new environment firsthand. “We hear about the support from Chinese fans, but you don’t truly understand it until you’re here,” he remarked.
Similarly, Suns head coach Jordan Ott noted that many players were visiting China for the first time. “The excitement of stepping onto the court tonight, knowing the arena is packed, will be a memorable moment for all of us,” he said.
On the same day, the Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic alliance with the NBA, which will facilitate Chinese teams’ participation in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason contests in the United States, according to official media reports.
The NBA’s surge in popularity in China began in the early 2000s, largely fueled by the rise of Yao Ming. However, relations deteriorated sharply after a team official publicly supported the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy demonstrations via social media.
Following this fallout, the NBA was effectively barred from the Chinese market, making this recent visit a cautious re-entry.
Qin Junhong, a 19-year-old student in Macau, admitted he was unaware of the previous conflict but was thrilled to attend the game with friends. “Tickets sold out quickly because so many people wanted to come,” he shared with AFP.
This preseason matchup is part of a lucrative agreement to host NBA games at the Venetian Arena, a venue owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which is controlled by the Adelson family-also majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks.
Macau, a special administrative region near Hong Kong, is the only area in China where casino gambling is legal, making it a unique location for the NBA’s cautious return.
Experts suggest that choosing Macau for these games represents a strategic “soft reintroduction” to the Chinese market, rather than immediately staging events on the mainland.
Before tip-off, fans enjoyed NBA-themed exhibits and retail stands in a nearby convention center, adorned with prominent logos of the league’s Chinese corporate partners.
The Venetian Arena is situated in Macau’s luxurious Cotai Strip, an entertainment district known for its extravagant hotel-casinos and replicas of iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower.
