Basketball fever swept through Macau on Friday as the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns faced off in a sold-out preseason game, marking the NBA’s first return to China in six years after tensions sparked by a 2019 pro-democracy tweet.
The matchup — the first of two games in the city — symbolized a renewed chapter in the NBA’s relationship with China, a market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball.
“The atmosphere is amazing. I’ve been a Suns fan for a long time,” said David Jin, 26, who traveled from Shenzhen for the event. “The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it’s on my doorstep, I’ll be there to support.”
Jin said he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) on tickets and travel — a price many fans were happy to pay for the NBA’s long-awaited return.
A Celebration of Basketball and Reconciliation
Inside the packed Venetian Arena, cheers erupted as four-time All-Star Devin Booker took the court. Chinese fans were also eager to see Zeng Fanbo, a 22-year-old Nets forward making his debut — a symbolic bridge between the league and Chinese fans.
“There’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday, emphasizing the league’s commitment to rebuilding connections.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández called the trip both “an opportunity and a learning experience.”
“We hear about the support from China — but you don’t truly understand it until you come here,” he said.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott echoed the excitement.
“For many of our players, this is their first time in China. Walking out into a packed arena tonight will be something we’ll never forget.”
Strategic Partnership and a “Soft Landing”
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the NBA announced a new strategic partnership on Friday. The agreement includes opportunities for Chinese teams to participate in the NBA Summer League and for WNBA preseason games to be held in the United States, according to state media.
The NBA’s popularity in China skyrocketed in the 2000s during the Yao Ming era, but relations soured after a team official voiced support for Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests, leading to a virtual freeze in the league’s Chinese operations.
Experts say hosting the games in Macau — a special administrative region of China known for its glittering casinos — provides a “soft landing” for the NBA’s re-entry, avoiding potential political friction with Beijing.
Fans and Festivities
Ahead of the game, fans flooded the Cotai Strip, posing for selfies at NBA-themed booths and browsing league-branded merchandise. The Venetian Arena — located in the heart of Macau’s luxury resort district, home to replicas of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower — buzzed with excitement.
“I don’t remember much about what happened back then,” said Qin Junhong, a 19-year-old student from Macau. “I’m just excited to be here with my friends. Everyone wanted tickets!”
Friday’s game was part of a multimillion-dollar agreement to host NBA preseason matches at the Venetian Arena, owned by the Las Vegas Sands conglomerate — whose majority shareholders, the Adelson family, also own the Dallas Mavericks.
With roaring crowds, iconic players, and renewed ties, the night in Macau marked not just a basketball game — but the NBA’s first real step toward rebuilding its bond with millions of Chinese fans.
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