NBA returns to China for controversial preseason games after 2019 fallout
- The NBA will return to China for the first time since 2019 to play preseason games, signaling a potential thaw in relations after years of tension.
- This tension began in 2019 following Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's support for anti-government protests in Hong Kong, leading to significant financial losses for the league.
- Despite past controversies and ongoing criticism regarding human rights issues in China, the NBA is optimistic about rejuvenating its business in this crucial market.
The NBA is preparing to return to China for preseason games, marking its first trip to the country since 2019. This return follows a period of heightened tension between the NBA and Chinese officials, primarily stemming from a controversial social media post made by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey in 2019. Morey's statement supported pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, which led to significant fallout with Chinese state media, resulting in the suspension of NBA broadcasts in China and the cancellation of preseason games. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously reported dramatic financial losses due to the deterioration of the relationship with Chinese sponsors. However, in recent discussions, he expressed optimism regarding rebuilding ties and even hinted that a return could be on the horizon. In line with this, it has now been confirmed that the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will travel to China to play two preseason games. Despite the past controversies, NBA players have consistently made appearances in China, indicating a lingering interest in the NBA's market there. The league has faced criticism for its business practices in regard to China, particularly concerning training camps in Xinjiang amid international discourse on human rights abuses against the Uyghur population. The U.S. government has described the situation in Xinjiang as genocide, which has led to heightened scrutiny of any partnerships within China. Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban has publicly opposed human rights violations but has defended the league's engagements in China. He emphasizes the financial benefits that come from exporting NBA content to the Chinese market. Furthermore, former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom criticized the NBA's relationship with China and claimed that his outspoken stance on human rights issues impacted his career, even suggesting the league is influenced by the Chinese government. As the NBA embarks on this return to China, the broader implications of their relationship with the country remain to be seen.