NBA China, BesTV announce partnership expansion deal

NBA China and BesTV, a member of the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group, announced on Sunday that they are expanding their partnership to deliver extensive NBA games and programming to fans in China.

The NBA's partnership with the Shanghai Media Group (SMG), the parent company of the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group, dates back to the 1996-97 NBA season.

The announcement was made in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena by Madam Wang Jianjun, president of SMG and NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Two-time NBA Champion Kenny Smith and nine-time NBA All-Star Gary Payton were also in attendance to hear the announcement prior to the clash between the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the NBA Global Games China 2016 presented by Master Kong.