In 2004, the NBA decided to capitalize on its growing international popularity and host preseason games in China.
From 2004-19, the league hosted 28 preseason games in the nation, featuring 17 different teams.
According to a report from ESPN on Thursday, the league is set to make its return to China in October when the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns play a pair of preseason games in Macao.
The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in Macao next October, marking the NBA’s return to China for the first time since 2019, sources tell ESPN.
ESPN story with @WindhorstESPN: https://t.co/fxBGLa8I6r
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 6, 2024
Charania noted that part of the reason the NBA hasn’t played in China since 2019 was due to a tweet by then-Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of protests in Hong Kong. Commissioner Adam Silver and the league supported Morey leading to a loss of sponsorships and broadcasting in China.
This is culmination of a yearslong process to repair the relationship between the NBA and China following commissioner Adam Silver and the league’s support for freedom of expression after then-Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted an image that supported protests in Hong Kong in 2019. https://t.co/QhUi6pmM0s
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 6, 2024
ESPN noted that NBA China CEO Michael Ma and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont each played a role in repairing the relationship.
The games will be played at Macao’s Venetian Arena which hosted two preseason games in 2007.
Social media had a lot to say about the development, with many showing support for Morey’s post and Hong Kong and criticizing the NBA for prioritizing money over morals. Some defended the decision, though.
— Brandon Warne (@brandon_warne) December 6, 2024
If the NBA truly supported freedom they would not be playing this game there.
— NBA Hoops Online (@NBABoards) December 6, 2024
If the NBA truly supported freedom they would not be playing this game there.
— NBA Hoops Online (@NBABoards) December 6, 2024
This is good. Morey is a dipshit. https://t.co/xgfEtx9JJL
— Kit Latura (wolvesBack) (@americand0lphin) December 6, 2024
All the NBA had to do was drop the identity politics to rehab their image.
The fact that Daryl Morey’s statement was controversial and not apodictically acknowledged is exactly WHY the domestic ratings continue to tank.
$ over freedom https://t.co/2FezOIXYlD
— Hunter02 (@PD_ThePinSeeker) December 6, 2024