The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a significant new partnership, agreeing to host pre-season games in Macau starting in 2025. This marks the NBA’s highly anticipated return to the Chinese market following a prolonged hiatus due to tensions surrounding the 2019 Hong Kong protests. The agreement between Sands China and the NBA will see two games held annually over the next five years at the Venetian Arena in Macau, with the first match scheduled for October 2025. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will face off in the opening games on October 10 and 12.

A historic deal bringing the NBA back to China:

According to Reuters, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum confirmed the deal, highlighting the long-term nature of the arrangement. According to local media reports, the deal signifies a new chapter in the NBA’s relationship with China, which had cooled following the controversial remarks made by Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets’ former General Manager, in 2019. Morey’s tweet in support of Hong Kong’s anti-government protests led to the suspension of NBA broadcasts in China and a backlash from sponsors, severely affecting the league’s financial standing. Pre-season games in China were subsequently cancelled. However, this new deal symbolizes a thawing of relations, with Tatum commenting that the pre-season games in Macau will “showcase the excitement of the NBA” to fans in one of Asia’s rising sports hubs.

Sands China, the operator of the Venetian Macao, played a pivotal role in bringing the NBA back to Macau. The company’s president and CEO, Grant Chum, expressed his excitement at the agreement, emphasizing the company’s historical role in hosting high-profile international events. Sands China had previously hosted NBA pre-season games in 2007, shortly after the opening of the Venetian Macao. Chum stated, “The Venetian Arena has just been fully renovated and upgraded and will be the home to the NBA China games from next year onwards.” This investment reflects Sands China’s continued commitment to positioning Macau as a global tourism and leisure hub.

The NBA pre-season games will be just one component of a broader initiative aimed at boosting Macau’s appeal as a world-class destination. Sands China has also highlighted its goal to contribute to Macau’s evolution into a leading center for sports, tourism, and entertainment. As Patrick Dumont, President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., noted, sports have long been an integral part of Macau’s tourism strategy. He also stressed the importance of bringing high-level events like the NBA games to the city, stating that the NBA has the power to inspire and unite fans worldwide.

The economic impact and Macau’s gaming industry:

Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, is renowned for being the only location in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos. The region’s economy is heavily reliant on its casino industry, which accounts for approximately 80% of local tax revenues. In recent years, however, Macau’s government has increasingly focused on diversifying the economy. Officials have called for the six licensed casinos to boost their revenue from non-gaming sectors. Last year, the government unveiled a strategic plan that aims to expand industries such as tourism, financial services, traditional Chinese medicine, and sports. By 2028, Macau’s government intends for non-gaming industries to contribute 60% of the region’s GDP, up from 50% in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global markets.

The upcoming NBA games in Macau are expected to contribute to this goal by attracting international visitors and showcasing the city’s ability to host major sporting events. As GGRAsia reports, Sands China is also planning several lifestyle events, including an “NBA Fan Day” coinciding with the pre-season games, featuring celebrity performances and interactive experiences for fans. Additionally, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macao, further cementing the league’s presence in the region.

The NBA’s presence in Macau will not only benefit the local economy but will also engage a global audience through extensive media coverage. The 2025 NBA China Games will be broadcast across more than 200 countries and territories, with coverage spanning television, digital platforms, and social media. This global reach is expected to amplify the event’s impact, drawing attention to both the NBA and Macau as a prime destination for international sports tourism.

Sands China, as the official promoter of the games, has also emphasized its commitment to creating opportunities for local engagement through various social impact initiatives, youth development programs, and community outreach. By integrating sports with local culture and tourism, the collaboration between the NBA and Sands China aims to leave a lasting legacy in Macau.