What's happened
The NBA has signed a multimillion-dollar agreement to host games in Macau, with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns scheduled to play on October 10 and 12, 2025. This marks a significant return of the league to China after years of strained relations due to political tensions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the NBA's return to Macau is a significant step in mending relations with China, with Mark Tatum, the NBA's deputy commissioner, emphasizing the league's long history in the region. The agreement is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on Macau's superior facilities compared to Hong Kong, which has struggled to meet NBA standards. Tim Reynolds from The Independent notes that this deal is part of a broader effort to restore normalcy between the NBA and China after years of tension following Daryl Morey's tweet in 2019. The financial implications are substantial, with estimates suggesting the deal could bring in $25 million annually, as reported by AP News.
How we got here
The NBA's relationship with China deteriorated in 2019 following a controversial tweet by then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey. This led to a significant financial fallout for the league, estimated at $400 million in lost revenue. Recent efforts have aimed to mend ties.
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