> At a Glance
> – NBA announced Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play preseason games in Macao on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11
> – Games held at Venetian Arena owned by Sands Corp., whose COO Patrick Dumont is Mavericks governor
> – Return follows 2019 Hong Kong tweet controversy that led to games being pulled from Chinese TV
> – Why it matters: Marks full normalization of NBA-China relations after years-long diplomatic freeze
The NBA is officially returning to China next season with two preseason games in Macao, ending a years-long standoff that began with a single tweet in 2019.
The Comeback Games
Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will face off in back-to-back exhibition games at the Venetian Arena in Macao, the only Chinese territory where casino gambling is legal. The matches are scheduled for October 9 and October 11, marking the league’s second consecutive season hosting games in the region after the 2019 controversy.
Patrick Dumont, president and COO of Sands Corp. which owns the venue, expressed pride in hosting the Mavericks. The casino operator’s executive also serves as governor of the Dallas franchise, making the team’s selection for China games a natural fit.
Why These Teams
The Rockets’ selection carries deep historical significance. Since drafting Yao Ming in 2002, Houston has maintained enormous popularity across China. The Hall of Fame center and eight-time All-Star spent his entire NBA career with the Rockets, creating lasting bonds with Chinese basketball fans.
Patrick Fertitta, Houston’s alternate governor, acknowledged this connection: “Since drafting Yao Ming in 2002, the Rockets have received overwhelming love from the passionate basketball fans of China and built several cherished memories playing overseas.”
Timeline of Tensions
The NBA’s relationship with China fractured in October 2019 when Daryl Morey, then Rockets general manager, tweeted support for Hong Kong anti-government protesters. The fallout was immediate and severe:
- Chinese state television pulled NBA games from broadcasts
- Beijing expressed strong displeasure with Commissioner Adam Silver’s defense of Morey’s free speech rights
- The rift lasted multiple years before gradual reconciliation began
Full Circle
The return represents a complete diplomatic reset. Recent months have seen major NBA stars including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler conducting promotional tours across China, drawing massive crowds and signaling restored relations.
Macao, a former Portuguese colony returned to Chinese rule in 1999, provides a unique venue as the only place in China where casino gambling remains legal.
Key Takeaways
- NBA-China relations fully normalized after 2019 Hong Kong tweet controversy
- Mavericks-Rockets games mark second consecutive season of preseason games in China
- Houston’s selection leverages Yao Ming’s legacy for maximum Chinese fan engagement
- Sands Corp.’s dual role as venue owner and Mavericks governor facilitated Dallas participation
- Games represent significant commercial opportunity for league’s international expansion
The October matchups will serve as both basketball exhibitions and diplomatic milestones, officially closing the chapter on one of professional sports’ most significant international incidents.
