The energy in Macao is electric as the National Basketball Association (NBA) makes its much-anticipated return to China this weekend, marking a significant milestone in the league’s international expansion. After a six-year hiatus triggered by political controversy, the NBA is back with a bang, staging two preseason games between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns on Friday, October 10, and Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Venetian Arena. This marks not only the 15th edition of the NBA China Games but also the first time since 2019 that league action graces Chinese soil.
For basketball fans in China, this moment has been a long time coming. The NBA’s absence since 2019 followed a social media post by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who expressed support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The fallout was swift and severe: Chinese broadcasters suspended NBA coverage, sponsors fled, and the league faced what it described as “dramatic financial consequences.” The relationship between the NBA and China, one of its largest international markets, seemed uncertain.
Yet, the NBA never lost sight of its mission to connect with its massive Chinese fan base. “There’s no doubt that China has one of the largest fan bases in the world—hundreds of millions of fans in China, 300 million people play the game of basketball in China, and our mission is to inspire and connect people everywhere through the game,” said NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum. The league’s commitment to rebuilding trust and engagement is evident in its actions this week, with a five-day festival of basketball, music, fashion, and technology enveloping Macao.
The Venetian Arena, a 14,000-seat venue owned by Las Vegas Sands Corp., is the epicenter of the festivities. The company’s president and COO, Patrick Dumont, also owns the Dallas Mavericks, adding another NBA connection to the event. This is the first NBA fixture in Macau since 2007, and for many Chinese fans, it’s a historic occasion. “We’d been preparing and planning for this two months in advance,” shared Lyu Yizhe, a longtime NBA follower from Xiamen. “It feels extra special because we’re long-time NBA fans—we’ve been watching since 1998, back in the Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls era.”
On the court, the spotlight shines brightly on the two teams. The Phoenix Suns, led by franchise cornerstone Devin Booker, arrive with a dramatically revamped roster. The offseason saw the departure of stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, replaced by newcomers Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and promising rookie Khaman Maluach. Head coach Jordan Ott, also in his debut season, sees the trip as a crucial bonding opportunity. “The time spent as a team, going to China and in China, I think it’s a great team-building event for our group. Especially a group that’s new to each other … it’s a unique experience we can always look back on,” Ott remarked.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets are embracing their youth movement. With no player on the roster boasting more than six years of NBA experience and five first-round picks from the 2025 NBA Draft, the Nets are focused on laying a foundation for future success. The acquisition of Michael Porter Jr., who brings championship pedigree from his 2023 title run with the Denver Nuggets, adds a veteran edge to the squad. Porter Jr. is thrilled to play in front of Chinese fans, saying, “The China fans, I feel like are some of our biggest supporters. There’s so many fans out here. So I think coming out here and being able to play in front of them is definitely a blessing for us and for them.”
The games themselves are just one part of a packed schedule. NBA Fan Day, presented by Alibaba Cloud, takes place on Saturday, October 11, offering celebrity performances, on-court activities, and a chance for fans to interact with players and NBA legends, including Shaquille O’Neal. NBA House, a free fan festival at Venetian Macao Hall A, runs from October 8 to 12, providing immersive NBA culture experiences, skills competitions, and exclusive merchandise from brands like Nike and Mitchell & Ness. The newly opened NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macao ensures fans can take home a piece of the action.
Off the court, business is booming. The NBA and Chinese tech giant Alibaba announced a multi-year partnership this week, aiming to transform the fan experience through artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Alibaba’s chairman, Joe Tsai, is also the owner of the Brooklyn Nets, further intertwining the business and basketball worlds. According to the announcement, Alibaba Cloud will serve as the official cloud computing and AI partner of NBA China, with both parties pledging over $13.5 billion in non-gambling infrastructure and projects over the next decade.
This partnership isn’t just about technology—it’s about reconciliation and growth. The NBA’s gradual return to Chinese TV channels and digital platforms signals a slow but steady thaw in relations. Commissioner Adam Silver, attending events in China, acknowledged the significance of the moment. “There’s tremendous interest throughout China, so it’s wonderful to be back here,” Silver told AFP. ESPN’s 2022 analysis estimated the value of NBA China at roughly $5 billion, underlining the stakes for both sides.
Macau, a former Portuguese colony known for its casinos, is uniquely positioned to host the NBA’s return. It’s the only place in China where gambling is legal, and the casino industry accounts for about 80% of government tax revenues. The Venetian property, with its blend of entertainment, retail, and now elite basketball, embodies the city’s ambition to diversify and attract international tourism. The NBA’s presence, coupled with a five-day showcase of music, fashion, and technology, is expected to draw thousands of visitors and further cement Macau’s reputation as a global entertainment hub.
For the players, coaches, and fans, the return of the NBA to China is about more than just basketball. It’s a celebration of cultural exchange, resilience, and the universal language of sport. Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, the only player on the team’s 2025 roster who participated in the last NBA China Games, returns with fond memories. In 2019, Claxton was a 20-year-old rookie who posted eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and a block in a win over the Lakers. Now 26, he’s eager to see what this new chapter holds for himself and his team.
As the first game tips off, the world will be watching—not just for the score, but for the broader story it represents. The NBA’s return to China is a testament to the enduring power of sport to bridge divides, spark joy, and inspire future generations. With the league’s eyes on Macao and the promise of more international showcases to come, the stage is set for a thrilling new era of basketball diplomacy.
With fans packing the Venetian Arena, celebrities in attendance, and the world’s attention fixed on Macao, the NBA’s return to China is already making history. As the action unfolds, one thing is certain: the love for basketball in China burns as brightly as ever, and the NBA is back where it belongs—center stage, with the world watching.
