The NBA Returns to China: Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns Set to Play Sold-Out Pre-Season Games in Macao
The NBA is making a comeback in China after a six-year absence due to a social media controversy. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns are set to play two sold-out pre-season games in Macao, marking the league's return to the Chinese territory. With over 300 million basketball fans in China, the demand for NBA games is high, as tickets for the matches sold out quickly. Despite U.S.-China trade tensions, the NBA aims to strengthen its presence in China through these games.
The NBA's popularity in China has grown steadily since its inception in 1979, especially with the emergence of players like Yao Ming. The league last played a preseason game in Macao in 2007 and has a history of hosting games in China. The Brooklyn Nets, accompanied by Chinese forward Zeng Fanbo, are eager to showcase their skills in China. Zeng, a local favorite, hopes to break stereotypes and represent Asian players in the NBA.
The NBA's Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum, emphasizes the importance of bringing live games to fans worldwide. Despite past controversies, the NBA is committed to inspiring and connecting people through basketball. The league faced backlash in 2019 when a tweet supporting pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong led to strained relations with China. However, efforts to repair ties have been ongoing, with Chinese broadcasts of NBA games resuming and preseason games returning to Macao.
The games in Macao come at a time of trade tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as ongoing criticisms of the NBA's stance on human rights issues. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes that sports, particularly basketball, can bridge divides and build communities globally. The league's return to China is seen as a strategic move to maintain its presence in a key market. The games in Macao are part of a larger effort to engage Chinese fans and showcase the NBA brand.
The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play at the Venetian Arena in Macao, owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The games will be accompanied by a five-day exhibition featuring music, fashion, and technology, with NBA celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal expected to attend. The partnership between the NBA and Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba aims to enhance fan experiences through artificial intelligence and cloud computing services. With high expectations for Chinese rookie Yang Hansen and ongoing efforts to engage Chinese fans, the NBA is looking to strengthen its ties with China through these games.