The NBA is set to return to China after a significant hiatus, following a social media incident that caused a major uproar in the country. In October 2019, then-Houston Rockets general manager, Daryl Morey, drew international attention when he tweeted support for Hong Kong’s protests against the Chinese government. This tweet led to a backlash from Chinese authorities and strained the NBA’s relationship with its second most profitable market.
Next October, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will face off in two preseason games in Macao, a move that marks an important step towards mending the broken ties between the league and China. Reports indicate that the games will be held at the Venetian Arena, owned by the Adelson family, who also have a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks.
The Nets are owned by Chinese billionaire Joe Tsai, further emphasizing the significance of this revival. In recent years, under the guidance of NBA China CEO Michael Ma, the league has made substantial efforts to restore its standing in China.
In the wake of the controversy that erupted in 2019, the NBA faced severe criticism both from China and within the U.S. Politicians from various parties expressed disapproval of the league’s response, viewing it as a betrayal of free speech ideals. The backlash was swift; NBA games were taken off Chinese broadcasts, and the Rockets, despite having a star player in Yao Ming, became a controversial subject.
Now, as the NBA looks to strengthen its connection with China once again, it highlights the complex relationships between sports, politics, and international business. The forthcoming games and the planned youth development programs signal a new chapter, one aimed at rebuilding trust and cooperation amidst previous tensions.
