NBA
The NBA set to return to China
The situation between China and the NBA has thawed after nearly five years of hostility. The American league will resume friendly games in the Asian country.
Macau will host a selection of NBA preseason games, thanks to an agreement that seeks to recover the audience lost during the pandemic and strengthen its presence in the Chinese market, where it has suffered bans in recent years due to political controversies.
The NBA plans to hold two preseason games a year for the next five years at The Venetian Arena, a Macau hotel operated by Sands China and located in the former Portuguese territory near Hong Kong and the Chinese city of Zhuhai.
Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner of the NBA, confirmed that the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will be in charge of inaugurating the project with two games scheduled for October 10 and 12 of next year.
US basketball television coverage ban in China
The deal represents a significant step forward for the league in the Chinese market, where it has suffered multimillion-dollar losses following years of boycotts by state television China Central Television (CCTV) and companies such as digital giant Tencent in response to comments supporting the 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests made by Houston Rockets manager Daryl Morey.
How big is China’s basketball market?
China is positioned as the world’s largest basketball market, with a fan base estimated at between 300 million and 450 million, according to Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post.
“We are joining forces with the NBA not just for one year, but establishing a long-term strategic partnership that will include a series of events over several years,” said Grant Chum, CEO of Sands China Ltd, in an interview with the local newspaper in Macau.
“This not only provides engaging content for our visitors, but also enhances Macau’s reputation as an international tourist destination that combines the best of entertainment, hospitality and sport,” the executive added.
Macau, which returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999, is striving to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on gambling.
The territory’s six casino concessionaires have signed a commitment to invest $12.8 billion over the next decade, through the end of 2033, in non-gambling activities, a key requirement for obtaining their licenses. They are thus redefining themselves as operators of integrated resorts rather than casinos.
Celebrity game lined up
To celebrate the deal, a celebrity game will be held this Saturday featuring six notable former NBA players: Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Tony Parker, Stephon Marbury, DeMarcus Cousins and Cuttino Mobley.
The NBA ranks as the most-watched sports league in China, maintaining a solid fan base since the Washington Bullets, now known as the Washington Wizards, became the first team to play a game in the country in August 1979.
To date, seven Chinese players have competed in the NBA, with Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets being the most iconic of them all.