NBA Sets Historic 2025 Exhibition Games in Macau with Suns and Nets

By Michael Thompson

December 7, 2024 at 12:54 AM

The NBA will make its return to China in 2025 with preseason exhibition games in Macau, following a new multiyear agreement between the NBA and Sands China.

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will face off in two games at the Venetian Arena on October 10 and 12, 2025. The games will feature NBA stars like Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, pending any roster changes.

The Venetian Macau casino exterior

The Venetian Macau casino exterior

This marks the NBA's return to China after a five-year absence following controversy in 2019 when then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey posted support for Hong Kong protesters, resulting in Chinese broadcast restrictions and significant revenue loss for the NBA.

The partnership includes plans to open an NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macau, offering authentic NBA merchandise to local and visiting fans. The venue is operated by Sands China, a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, whose major shareholder Dr. Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont own the Dallas Mavericks.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum emphasized the significance of bringing NBA games to Macau, describing it as "one of the world's emerging hubs for sports." While financial terms weren't disclosed, the partnership is expected to be profitable given the NBA's massive popularity among Chinese fans.

The games represent a strategic move to rebuild the NBA's presence in the region while capitalizing on Macau's growing status as a sports and entertainment destination.

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