The NBA’s Shocking Comeback to China: What’s Behind the Six-Year Hiatus?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets play the Phoenix Suns in two pre-season games.

It puts an end to a six-year NBA absence in the country following a breakdown in relationships over protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019.

The matches will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau, a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.

The NBA have announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese technology giant Alibaba at the end of last year, which they believe will enhance fan engagement using AI technology.

The Nets are also owned by the company’s chair Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian businessman.

The NBA has not held games in China for six years after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a message on Twitter, now X, in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.

Morey tweeted: “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.”

The tweet was subsequently deleted, but the the Chinese Basketball Association and streaming platforms suspended all cooperation with the team and immediately stopped broadcasting their games.

Originally a British colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong, signed a treaty in 1984 with China that would see them return to Chinese administation in 1997, under the principle of “one country, two systems”.

In June 2019, protests started in the country against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.

Rights groups accused China of perceived interference, resulting in clashes with the police which lasted until 2024.

The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China – but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.

The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into “China’s team” during a seven-year spell in the United States.

The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA’s profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.

Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (£3.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.

“We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

“As you know, there’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it’s wonderful to be back here.”

Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: “Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person.”

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