NBA Returns to China After Six-Year Hiatus with Sold-Out Game in Macau:

The NBA made a highly anticipated return to China on Friday with a sold-out preseason matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns in Macau, marking its first appearance in the country since a political controversy six years ago. The electric atmosphere inside the Venetian Arena reflected just how much Chinese fans had missed live NBA action. Fans packed the venue to witness stars like four-time All-Star Devin Booker and China’s own 22-year-old Zeng Fanbo, who made his debut with the Nets. The crowd erupted in cheers for both players, celebrating the NBA’s long-awaited return to Chinese soil. “The atmosphere is amazing,” said David Jin, a 26-year-old Suns fan who traveled from the nearby tech hub of Shenzhen just for the game. “I’ve been a fan for a long time. If the NBA comes to mainland China, I’ll definitely be there to support.” Jin said he spent nearly 5,000 yuan (about $700) on tickets and travel for the experience. This game is the first of two preseason matches taking place in Macau, and part of the NBA’s broader effort to rebuild its relationship with China—a market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball. The rift began in 2019, when a tweet by a team executive supporting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests caused backlash in China, leading to the suspension of NBA broadcasts and events. Now, after years of strained ties, the NBA is making a cautious comeback. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the significance of this return, stating on Thursday, “There’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China.” For many players and coaches, the trip was also about cultural exchange. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez emphasized the importance of connecting with fans outside the U.S. “We know we have fans in China, but you don’t truly understand that support until you’re here,” he said. Suns head coach Jordan Ott echoed that sentiment, noting that for many players, this was their first visit to China. “It’s going to be a really special experience for our guys, walking out to a packed arena in another country,” he said. Ahead of the game, the Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA. The agreement includes opportunities for Chinese teams to participate in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States—another sign of warming relations. For younger fans like 19-year-old Qin Junhong, a student in Macau, the past political tensions are a distant memory. “I don’t really remember the dispute,” he said. “I’m just excited to be here with my friends. Tickets were really hard to get!” The NBA chose Macau—a special administrative region where casino gambling is legal—as the site for its return. Experts say it’s a symbolic “soft landing” before potentially returning to mainland China. The Venetian Arena, located in the heart of Macau’s glitzy Cotai Strip, is part of a multimillion-dollar deal with the Las Vegas Sands corporation, which is controlled by the family that owns the Dallas Mavericks. Outside the arena, fans lined up for selfies at NBA-themed booths and browsed merchandise from the league’s Chinese sponsors. The excitement was palpable—proof that the NBA’s fan base in China remains as passionate as ever.

SPORT