NBA Returns to China: Preseason Games in Macau 2025

After a six-year hiatus, the NBA returns to China, marking one of the most anticipated sports events of 2025. In October, Macau will host two preseason games between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. This event not only reignites Chinese fans’ interest in American basketball but also symbolizes the restoration of sports relations between the US and China.

According to The Washington Post, these games represent a significant step in strengthening international relations through sports and offer Chinese fans the rare opportunity to see their favorite stars live. NBA preseason games in Asia have historically attracted massive audiences, and this year’s event is expected to break previous attendance records.

Historical Context: NBA in China

Since the NBA’s first visit to China in 2004, the league has regularly held preseason games in various cities across the country. However, in 2019, due to political disagreements, international games were suspended. The six-year pause allowed the league to rethink its strategy and rebuild relationships with Chinese partners.

Statistics show that, prior to the pause, NBA games in China drew over 50,000 in-person spectators and millions more online viewers. In 2025, expectations are even higher: analysts predict up to 30,000 attendees per game and more than 10 million broadcast viewers.

Brooklyn Nets vs Phoenix Suns: Predictions and Expectations

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns are among the top teams in the NBA. In the 2024/2025 season, the Nets averaged 112.7 points per game and boast one of the league’s strongest offensive lines. The Suns, known for their defensive prowess, have a field goal percentage of 48.3%.

For Chinese fans, this is a unique opportunity to see global basketball stars live, including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Analysts consider the preseason games a rehearsal for the regular season, where teams will test tactics and rotations.

Macau as a Sports Hub

Macau’s selection as the host city is due not only to its infrastructure but also its tourist appeal. The city welcomes over 35 million visitors annually, and hosting NBA games further increases international attendance and investment.

The stadium, with a capacity of 32,000, will feature advanced broadcast technology and interactive fan zones. Ticket and merchandise sales are expected to generate over $15 million in revenue over the two-day event.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The NBA’s return stimulates Macau’s economy by boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Research indicates that international sporting events can increase a region’s GDP by 0.8–1.2% in the year of the event.

Beyond the economic effect, NBA games in China foster cultural exchange: clinics, fan meet-and-greets, and charity initiatives provide platforms for collaboration between American and Chinese athletes and youth.

FAQ

Q: When will the NBA preseason games take place in Macau? A: The games are scheduled for October 2025.

Q: Which teams will participate? A: Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.

Q: Why is the NBA returning to China only in 2025? A: After a six-year hiatus due to political and diplomatic disagreements, the NBA decided to resume international games.

Q: How many spectators are expected at the stadium? A: Up to 32,000 per game.

Q: What benefits does Macau gain from hosting the NBA? A: Increased tourism, economic growth, international recognition, and cultural exchange.

The NBA’s return to China in 2025 is strategically significant on multiple levels. From a sporting perspective, it allows players and coaches to test new tactics, prepare for the regular season, and strengthen team cohesion on an international stage. For Chinese fans, it’s a long-awaited chance to witness global NBA stars live, experience the energy of top-tier basketball, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of American sports.

The economic impact for Macau is substantial: hotel, restaurant, transportation, and merchandise revenues are projected to rise by millions of dollars over just two days. This enhances Macau’s position as an international sports and tourism hub, attracting investors who see potential in sports tourism development.

Culturally, the preseason games provide opportunities for educational and social initiatives: youth clinics, player interactions, school basketball programs, and charity events. All of this fosters exchange between the US and China, strengthens friendly ties, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Thus, the NBA’s return to China is not merely a sporting event. It is a comprehensive project that integrates sports, economy, culture, and international cooperation, demonstrating how basketball can serve as a powerful tool for diplomacy, education, and business development, creating lasting positive impacts for the region and the global basketball community.