NBA Pre-Season Action Returns to China with Games in Macao

After an extended break, the NBA is making a powerful comeback to China, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its relationship with Chinese basketball fans. Thanks to a landmark five-year deal with Venetian Macao, the league will bring its exciting pre-season games back to audiences in the region starting October 2025. For basketball fans, this announcement signifies more than just a return; it’s a celebration of the sport’s global appeal and a chance to create new memories.

Starting with matchups between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, this partnership is set to reignite the passion of millions of Chinese basketball enthusiasts while reinforcing Macau’s position as a thriving international sports hub.

Here’s everything you need to know about this major milestone, its significance, and what it means for the future of basketball in China.

NBA Pre-Season in Macau: A New Start

The NBA’s newly inked five-year deal is a collaboration with Sands China and the Venetian Macao. It ensures that, beginning in October 2025, Macau will host two pre-season games each year at the fully equipped, 14,000-seat Venetian Arena.

Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, noting that it will reintroduce the excitement of live NBA basketball to Chinese audiences. He commented, “Bringing pre-season games to Macau will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports. We have a long history of being here in China.”

This isn’t the NBA’s first foray into the region. The league started hosting China-based games in Shanghai and Beijing back in 2004, later expanding to cities like Shenzhen Guangzhou, and even a one-time stop in Macau in 2007. For 15 years, the games grew as a beloved tradition, uniting Chinese fans with the world’s premier basketball league.

However, a series of political events in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic put that tradition on pause. The agreement with Sands China marks a significant restart—meaning new opportunities and the rekindling of old bonds.

The Significance of Basketball in China

Basketball is one of China’s most popular sports, with millions of people tuning in to catch NBA games through streaming platforms and other media. The league’s connection to China was cemented in the early 2000s when Yao Ming, a Shanghai native, became an NBA star. Ming’s eight-time All-Star career drew significant attention to the NBA, and his signing with the Houston Rockets further expanded the team’s fanbase in China.

China remains the NBA’s largest international market, underscoring why this renewed partnership is so vital for both the league and its fans. While the games will now take place in Macau, it offers a strategic location as a gateway for reaching basketball fans across the region.

For Venetian Macao, this partnership also coincides with Macau’s broader efforts to diversify its entertainment offerings. The games, paired with events like celebrity matchups and the grand opening of an NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macao (an integrated resort located on the Cotai Strip in Macau), are steps toward creating a more engaging and varied tourism hub.

A “Win-Win-Win” Deal for All Parties

The deal was spearheaded by Patrick Dumont, Sands China President and Chief Operating Officer, who called it a “win-win-win”—a victory for the NBA, the city of Macau, and China. Dumont, who also co-owns the Dallas Mavericks, emphasized that these efforts align with the company’s goals to enhance Macau’s importance as a global destination for sports and entertainment.

The agreement is a shining example of ‘ping-pong diplomacy,’ highlighting how sports can bridge gaps and build relationships between regions.

While the games will take place in Macau for now, Mark Tatum mentioned the possibility of returning to mainland China in the future.

What Fans Can Look Forward To

The first games under this partnership are scheduled for October 2025, featuring an exciting clash between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. These pre-season games will offer fans a high-energy, up-close experience with their favorite players before the official NBA season tips off.

Additionally, basketball lovers can expect more than just games. Sands China will promote the events through various channels, including the NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macao. The store will offer fans an array of NBA merchandise, further fostering the connection between fans and the league.

To kick off the partnership, Sands China hosted a celebrity basketball game on December 7. It featured NBA Hall of Famers such as Tony Parker, Ray Allen, and Tracy McGrady, making it a star-studded affair that set the tone for what’s to come.

NBA betting can also expect an increase in popularity with the return of these pre-season games. Keep a close eye on the NBA odds by FanDuel, and experience the thrill of wagering on your favorite teams in 2025.

Looking Ahead: Basketball’s Place in Macau’s Future

The Venetian Macao’s renewed relationship with the NBA is not just a business collaboration; it’s an opportunity to transform the way people experience sports in the city. For Macau, this partnership represents a step toward becoming a global hub for sports tourism, attracting fans from across Asia.

For basketball fans, this deal guarantees a thrilling blend of the NBA’s world-class action and the vibrant energy of Macau. It marks a chance to celebrate the game with new contexts, connections, and a growing community of sports enthusiasts.

From players taking the court to fans cheering from the stands, this partnership is a reminder of basketball’s universal ability to inspire and unite.

The Final Buzzer

The NBA’s return to China through the Venetian Macao is a win for fans and the sport itself. It renews a cherished tradition while opening new doors for engagement and growth. Thanks to the five-year partnership, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to unforgettable matchups, exclusive events, and a deeper connection to the game they love—hosted in one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

As October 2025 approaches, it’s safe to say that basketball fever will rise once again in China, fueled by the thrilling prospect of NBA action live in the heart of Macau.