NBA breaks five-year ban to return to China amid political tensions
- In October 2019, Daryl Morey posted a tweet supporting Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, leading to outrage from the Chinese government.
- As a consequence, the NBA faced harsh repercussions, including the suspension of its broadcasts in China.
- After five years of absence, the NBA announced its return to China, signaling a potential thaw in the relationship between the league and the Chinese government.
In October 2019, a significant controversy arose when Daryl Morey, a Houston Rockets executive, expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong through a social media post. This message sparked outrage among Chinese government officials, who pressured the NBA to dismiss Morey for his comments, which they viewed as supportive of unrest in a region critical to their governance. Daryl Morey’s refusal to retract his statement prompted the Chinese authorities to suspend all NBA broadcasts in the country, affecting the league's lucrative market. NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s decision to defend Morey rather than capitulate to China's demands highlighted the complex relationship between sports and international politics. Throughout this period, high-profile players like LeBron James continued to benefit economically from their deals in China, despite the backdrop of human rights abuses occurring in the country. As tensions eased after five years, the NBA announced plans to return and play games in China, marking a pivotal moment in the dialogue between American sports leagues and Chinese political sentiment. This return is not only a business decision but also reflects a broader strategy for the NBA to re-establish its brand in the Chinese market. The repercussions of the initial controversy underscore the balancing act between profits and political principles in the world of international sports.