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The NBA has announced that it will be returning to China next season to play preseason games, marking a significant move after a multi-year hiatus due to a geopolitical rift. The agreement was made between the league and Chinese officials, with the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns scheduled to play in Macao on Oct. 10, 2025. This marks the first time in over five years that the NBA will be playing in China, following a fallout over a tweet by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
The games in Macao will be held at the Venetian Arena, owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corp., and are part of a series of moves aimed at normalizing relations between the NBA and China. The rift between the two entities began in 2019 following Morey’s tweet, leading to a loss of revenue for the league and strained relations. However, recent steps towards reconciliation, such as a celebrity game in Macao and partnerships with Chinese companies, suggest a thawing of tensions.
Chinese basketball fans have eagerly awaited the return of NBA games, with previous exhibitions in Macao drawing large crowds and excitement. The league’s presence in Macao is expected to further strengthen ties between China and the NBA, providing an opportunity for mutual understanding and cooperation moving forward. The games in Macao will not only showcase top NBA talent but also serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and economic development in the region.
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Photo credit arizonasports.com
