NBA returns to China after six years as basketball fans in Macau witnessed the long-awaited clash between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets, signaling a major diplomatic and sporting milestone. The preseason game, held at the sold-out Venetian Arena, marks the NBA’s cautious yet significant re-entry into one of its most lucrative global markets after years of strained relations following a pro-democracy controversy in 2019.
The excitement was palpable inside the Venetian Arena, where thousands of Chinese fans filled the seats to see their basketball heroes back in action. Four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker received a thunderous reception as he led the Suns against the Nets, who featured China’s own 22-year-old rising talent, Zeng Fanbo. For many in attendance, this was not just a basketball game — it was a long-awaited cultural reunion.
“The atmosphere is amazing. I’ve been a Suns fan for a long time,” said David Jin, a 26-year-old fan from Shenzhen who traveled to Macau for the match. “The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it’s on my doorstep, I’ll show up to give my support.” Jin said he spent nearly 5,000 yuan (about $700) on tickets and travel, reflecting the deep passion Chinese fans still hold for American basketball despite years of tension.
A Symbolic Return After Political Fallout
The NBA’s relationship with China suffered a massive blow in 2019 when a team official expressed support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, sparking backlash from Chinese authorities and leading to the suspension of many NBA broadcasts and sponsorships in the country. The incident had far-reaching implications for the league’s business operations, with millions in revenue lost and partnerships severed almost overnight.
Now, six years later, the league’s cautious return marks an effort to rebuild bridges and restore goodwill. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, speaking on Thursday before the game, emphasized that “there’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China.” His comments reflect a broader strategy to balance political sensitivities with the league’s global ambitions.
The first of two preseason games in Macau, this event represents both a commercial and symbolic victory for the NBA. By choosing Macau — a Special Administrative Region known for its casinos and relative autonomy — rather than mainland China, the league staged a soft landing, easing back into Chinese territory without reigniting political controversy.
Fans Celebrate, Politics Take a Backseat
For younger fans, the 2019 controversy is a distant memory. “I just wanted to see the game,” said 19-year-old student Qin Junhong, who attended the match with friends. “There were so many people rushing for tickets.” For him and many others, the excitement of witnessing NBA stars live outweighed any lingering political concerns.
The packed arena, decorated with NBA-themed booths and Chinese brand logos, underscored how deeply basketball remains woven into China’s popular culture. The NBA has long enjoyed a massive following in the country, particularly since the early 2000s when Chinese legend Yao Ming joined the Houston Rockets and became a bridge between the two basketball worlds.
A Renewed Partnership Between the NBA and China
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced a new strategic partnership with the NBA on the same day as the game, signaling a formal renewal of ties. According to state media, the collaboration includes allowing Chinese teams to participate in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States — a major step toward re-establishing regular basketball exchange between the two nations.
“This partnership shows mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of basketball,” said an unnamed CBA official. “It’s not only about the games but also about cultural exchange, training, and growing the sport.”
The move reflects China’s desire to maintain its strong basketball culture while benefiting from the NBA’s global reach and marketing power. For the NBA, it’s an opportunity to regain access to one of its largest markets, where an estimated 125 million people play basketball and millions more watch NBA games online.
A Carefully Choreographed Comeback
While the event focused on sport and entertainment, the choice of location and timing was deliberate. Experts say that hosting the first NBA games in Macau rather than in Beijing or Shanghai provided a “diplomatic buffer,” allowing both sides to gauge public and political reaction before considering a full return to mainland venues.
Macau, known for its Las Vegas-style casino resorts and tourism-driven economy, provided the perfect stage for this high-profile sporting event. The Venetian Arena, located in the luxurious Cotai Strip — home to replicas of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower — became a showcase of global sports diplomacy in action.
Adding to the spectacle, football legend and businessman David Beckham was spotted courtside, representing the growing crossover between global celebrity, sports marketing, and cultural influence.
From Fallout to Friendship
In 2019, the controversy began when then-Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey posted a tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters. The backlash was swift and severe: Chinese broadcasters cut ties with the NBA, sponsors withdrew deals, and Chinese state media accused the league of “interfering in internal affairs.”
At the time, the NBA attempted to strike a balance between defending free expression and respecting Chinese sovereignty — a delicate act that drew criticism both domestically and abroad. The result was a freeze in relations that lasted years, with only minimal engagement between the league and Chinese entities.
The 2025 preseason in Macau, therefore, is not just a sports story — it’s a sign of thawing relations between the world’s largest basketball league and one of its most important fan bases.
Business and Branding Beyond Borders
The return to China also comes at a time when the NBA is expanding its global footprint aggressively. The league’s preseason games in Abu Dhabi, Paris, and Mexico City in recent years reflect its vision of becoming a truly global brand. However, China remains its most profitable international market, and restoring this relationship is key to the NBA’s long-term growth.
Before the Macau event, Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Douyin saw a surge in NBA-related content. Merchandise sales also spiked, with jerseys of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant among the most sought after. The renewed buzz demonstrates that the Chinese market’s appetite for the NBA remains strong, even after years of political chill.
The Future of NBA-China Relations
While this preseason marks a positive step forward, analysts caution that challenges remain. Political tensions between Washington and Beijing continue, and cultural sensitivities around freedom of expression still hover over the relationship. The NBA, for its part, seems determined to focus on basketball rather than politics.
As Commissioner Silver put it, “Basketball has always been a unifying force. Our mission is to bring people together through the love of the game.”
For Chinese fans, that message appears to resonate deeply. The cheers in the Venetian Arena and the sold-out tickets are proof that despite political divides, the universal language of sport can bridge almost any gap.
The second preseason matchup between the Suns and Nets will further test the waters — but for now, one thing is certain: the NBA is officially back in China, and the fans couldn’t be happier.
Source: Al Jazeera
