Nets, Suns set to hold court in Macao

The NBA has hailed the return of its China Games as a testament to its consistent effort to grow its largest fan base, as the southern metropolis of Macao prepares to welcome a galaxy of stars next year.

The NBA, and its new partner Sands China Ltd, announced on Friday that the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games on Oct 10 and 12 next year at Macao's Venetian Arena. It is part of a multiyear collaboration between the world's top basketball league and the city's major resort operator.

The NBA and Sands will also conduct interactive fan activities, NBA Cares community outreach initiatives, and host lifestyle events that will bring the NBA experience to fans in Macao throughout the year, including an NBA Fan Day during the week of the games, which will feature celebrity performances and skill challenges.

Ahead of the games, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macao, providing local fans and visitors from around the world with a wide range of authentic and customized NBA merchandise.

"Bringing preseason games to Macao will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world's emerging hubs for sports," Mark Tatum, NBA's deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, said during a ceremony announcing the partnership in Macao on Friday.

Once a regular stop on its global promotion drives, the NBA has brought the league's most sought-after teams and A-list stars to play preseason games in China since the maiden edition of the NBA China Games in 2004. However, the once annual showpiece has been on hiatus since 2019, due to disruption of the international sporting calendar caused by COVID-19.

The return to an emerging new sports and tourism hub like Macao is expected to be a "game-changer", both for the NBA and businesses in the city.

"We have a long history of being here in China," Tatum said. "And our approach has always been consistent. It's always the mission of the NBA to inspire and connect people everywhere through the game of basketball."

"So, the return now, through a partnership with Sands China, I think, is fantastic for the fans. And it'll provide an opportunity for fans to experience live NBA basketball in their market once again."

Patrick Dumont, the president and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, expects the NBA's presence in Macao to help diversify the city's international tourism portfolio on a multi-beneficiary level.

"I think the great thing is that Macao is a wonderful tourism city. So, to bring world-class sports here in partnership with the NBA creates a great situation, and a win-win-win, where the NBA wins, the city of Macao wins and China wins," said Dumont, who is also the governor of Dallas Mavericks NBA franchise.

"We will have great tourism, driven by unbelievable sporting events that will help cement Macao as not only a great tourism city for both business and leisure, but also as a great city for sports."

The Nets, owned by Joe Tsai, chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, currently features a strong roster of NBA stars, including 2023 FIBA World Cup gold medalist Dennis Schroder of Germany, and USA basketball player Cam Johnson, while the Suns boast an even more glittering cast, led by four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker.

Adding to the excitement is the potential for local fans to celebrate one of their own in Macao, with Chinese national team star Cui Yongxi currently with the Nets on a two-way contract.

As of Saturday, the versatile 21-year-old forward has appeared in five 2024-25 regular season games for the Nets, scoring a total of three points to go with two rebounds over his total 10 minutes on court.

Despite only playing a marginal role so far, Cui's hard work and talent have earned acclaim from league executives and his fellow teammates, who believe that he's on the right track to stake a permanent place in the league.

"Hopefully, he'll have the opportunity to play here in Macao next year," Tatum said of the potential for Cui to feature in the China Games.

"In the case of Jacky (Cui), for example, we identified some of the very best players (in China), sending them to our global academy ... I think that's a pathway for other Chinese players, too.

"There's no doubt in my mind that the number of Chinese players that will play in the NBA will continue to grow."

Sean Marks, the Nets' general manager, said the club is committed to growing into a globally popular franchise, adding that there is no better pathway than a trip to China.

"We always love the opportunity to compete on the global stage, and we are grateful to participate in the NBA China Games 2025. The Brooklyn Nets have an incredible fan base across the globe, and we can't wait to bring our love of the game directly to our (Chinese) fans, while also giving our players and coaches the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture," he said.

Echoing Marks, Phoenix CEO Josh Bartelstein, said: "Participating in The NBA China Games 2025 is part of our owner Mat Ishbia's vision to bring the Suns to a global audience and impact fans around the world."