NBA eyes expansion beyond Macau with games across China

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league’s plans to broaden its footprint in mainland China beyond Macau, signaling a new phase of expansion for the popular basketball league.

Speaking at a media roundtable Friday ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets preseason game in Macau, Silver said, “Yes, games can take place in other parts of China concurrently,” hinting at multiple events across the country to grow the sport’s presence and fanbase.

Joining Silver were deputy commissioner Mark Tatum and NBA Asia CEO Michael Ma, who discussed the league’s growth plans in greater detail with the press about an hour before the game.

Currently, the NBA holds a five-year contract with Sands China, the Macau unit of Las Vegas Sands (LVS). This conglomerate is controlled by the Adelson family, who are also majority owners of the Dallas Mavericks.

Silver remarked, “Earlier today (Oct. 10), we announced a new partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association.

We’re very encouraged by that. We’re building a relationship between the two.” He added, “This partnership covers all aspects of the game.”

The commissioner highlighted ongoing positive discussions with Chinese Basketball Association president Guo Zhenming and his team, expressing optimism about future collaboration. “We look forward to getting to work on what we can do to develop the game,” he said.

When asked whether NBA China Games would take place simultaneously in other parts of mainland China during the five-year deal, Silver reiterated, “Yes, games can take place in other parts of China concurrently. Our mission is to make basketball accessible and equal for everyone.”

Regarding the league’s multiyear partnership with LVS’s Sands China, Tatum emphasized the importance of selecting the right partners and venues, noting why Sands China “became a great place to commit to hosting games over several years.”

The deputy commissioner explained, “When we look at destinations to bring our games, we look at having the right partners, we look at having world-class facilities. This Venetian Arena, especially with the renovations, is one of the nicest arenas anywhere in the world. And with the hub here and the access to the hundreds of millions of fans, this became a great place to commit to.”

Anecdotally, Silver remarked, “In fact, Patrick Dumont came to Mark [Tatum] before they had even acquired the Dallas Mavericks and said this is something that they would like to do with an organization and bring NBA basketball to Macau,” said Silver.

Tatum added that the NBA’s efforts in Macau extend beyond just games.

“It’s not just about games. It’s about engaging with the community, having a flagship NBA store, having a community event. We’re doing junior NBA programs as part of this multi-year partnership that will get more boys and girls playing the game of basketball.”

When questioned on how the NBA could contribute to Macau’s economic diversification efforts beyond gaming, Silver stated, “NBA and basketball are very much family sports.”

He noted that the NBA’s events in Macau attract a different crowd – those seeking family-oriented entertainment and experiences rather than gaming alone.

He explained, “Having these games here draws a lot of people to Macau who are not necessarily gambling but are here to be part of the gaming experience.”

According to Silver, these family-friendly sports activities are well suited to Macau’s ongoing push for a more diverse economy.

On how the league could support the city’s efforts to diversify its economy away from gaming, Silver responded, “I would consider family entertainment serves that diversification purpose very well.”

“It brings global attention to Macau because these games are covered all around the world, they’re televised and streamed in over 200 countries, which helps increase tourism in Macau. So, we’re very happy to be partners here,” Silver stated.