In a fresh five-year agreement, the NBA is set to conduct a couple of pre-season games at the Venetian Macao, a Sands China establishment, as detailed by the South China Morning Post on December 6.
Scheduled for October 2025, these games will feature the Brooklyn Nets facing off against the Phoenix Suns at the Venetian Arena, which accommodates 14,000 spectators.
From 2004 to 2019, NBA teams played in numerous major Chinese cities.
“Bringing pre-season games to Macau will highlight the thrilling nature of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s burgeoning sports hubs,” remarked Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. “We have a deep-rooted presence here in China.”
This presence faced a halt in 2019 when Houston Rockets’ general manager Daryl Morey publicly supported the Hong Kong protests. Although Morey later retracted his statement, the Chinese government’s disapproval led to the cessation of the games.
In the subsequent year, the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread shutdowns. Macau’s border restrictions were fully lifted only in January 2023.
### A Treat for the Enthusiasts
The Chinese games originated in 2004 in Shanghai and Beijing, enjoying an uninterrupted 15-year run, with games also held in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Additionally, Macau hosted a one-off game in 2007.
“So, the current collaboration with Sands China brings exciting news for the fans,” stated Tatum. “It offers them the chance to witness live NBA basketball once again in their region.”
Basketball holds immense popularity in China, with millions tuning in through streaming services. The Rockets, notably, built a huge fan base in 2002 with the signing of Yao Ming, a Shanghai native who became an eight-time NBA all-star.
WION News reports that China represents the largest global market for NBA sports.
### Dumont: An All-around Beneficial Deal
Sands China is contributing to the diversification of entertainment options in Macau, a directive from the government, with this return of NBA events.
Sands president and COO Patrick Dumont orchestrated the deal, described by Dallas Morning News as a form of “ping-pong diplomacy.”
Dumont, along with Miriam Adelson, holds ownership of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Nets are owned by Chinese billionaire Joe Tsai, who is also the chairman of Alibaba Group.
Dumont referred to the arrangement as a “win-win-win scenario where the NBA, Macau, and China all benefit.”
### Future Prospects for Mainland Games?
Tatum mentioned that there are “no current plans” for NBA games to resume in mainland Chinese cities.
“We have a limited number of teams and opportunities for international play. Nevertheless, given our extensive history of games in mainland China, it’s a possibility for the future. Presently, however, our focus remains on Macau.”
“We are committed to continuing our presence in Macau and China over the coming years.”
Celebrating the occasion, Basketball Hall of Famers Tony Parker, Ray Allen, and Tracy McGrady participated in a celebrity game on December 7.
The US-based Sands Corporation plans to market these events by establishing an NBA Flagship Store at the Londoner Macao, one of its five properties in the city.