NBA returns to China with preseason games

A long-awaited NBA return to Chinese courts

NBA returns to China for the first time since 2019, staging two preseason games in Macau featuring the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. This long-anticipated comeback reconnects the league with its massive Chinese fan base and marks a new beginning after years of pause.

Alongside the games, the NBA announced a multi-year deal with Alibaba, expanding its presence through AI-powered fan experiences, data insights, and live-streaming improvements across China. The decision signals both cultural and business ambition — reuniting the league with one of its most passionate audiences while reinforcing its global influence.

This renewed collaboration suggests a more technologically integrated future for how fans engage with games, players, and the NBA brand itself.

NBA returns to China: impact on teams and fans

For the Nets and Suns, the NBA’s return to China offers more than a global spotlight — it’s a real test of readiness. Coaches will use the games to experiment with rotations, assess bench depth, and observe how players adapt to different time zones and atmospheres.

The energy in Macau is expected to be electric, with fans filling the Venetian Arena to witness the NBA’s comeback. Many Chinese supporters, who have followed the league through streaming and social media, will finally see their basketball heroes live again.

This renewed fan interaction could reignite the excitement that once made China the NBA’s second-largest market. For players, it’s a chance to feel that passion firsthand and represent the league’s commitment to global connection.

Why the NBA’s return to China matters

The phrase “NBA returns to China” carries both sporting and symbolic weight. It represents more than a pair of preseason matchups — it’s about repairing relationships, rebuilding trust, and expanding the sport’s reach.

China has long been a cornerstone of the NBA’s global strategy, and this return opens doors for future events, youth programs, and deeper media partnerships. The new deal with Alibaba aims to enhance how content is delivered and experienced, pushing the league into a new digital era.

If the games succeed, expect the NBA to host more events across Asia in the coming years. This could shape not only international basketball growth but also the commercial future of the league.