Anticipating the NBA’s Comeback in China

Five years post the tumultuous period marked by the Hong Kong democracy protests, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expresses optimism towards the revival of NBA games in China. The clash over the protests had instigated a severe fallout with Chinese broadcasters, pushing the NBA towards a significant hiatus from the Chinese market.

Adam Silver’s Outlook on NBA’s Future in China

Speaking at the Columbia University Sports Management Conference in New York, Silver displayed optimism, stating, “We foresee a return to gaming in China.” The Chinese authorities had previously suspended NBA broadcasts due to political disagreements. Silver acknowledged this, affirming the NBA’s stance and their commitment to freedom of speech on political matters.

Back in 2019, a tweet from then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey sparked a heated debate. His social media post supported anti-government protests in Hong Kong, triggering a significant controversy that strained NBA’s relationship with its Chinese audience. There was a particular disagreement following Silver’s 2019 statement that Chinese officials desired Morey’s dismissal.

The Aftermath of the Controversy

China retaliated by refusing to broadcast two preseason games that took place between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. This refusal, coupled with the exit of corporate sponsors, led to substantial financial repercussions for the NBA. The league estimates losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars due to the controversy.

However, there were indications of a potential reconciliation when, in March 2022, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV ended an 18-month NBA blackout. Further signs of thawing relations surfaced when six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler toured China in the summer of 2023.

The NBA’s Global Expansion

Amid this, the NBA continues to broaden its international presence, hosting several preseason games in Abu Dhabi and regular-season games in Mexico City and Paris in recent years. These efforts underline the league’s commitment to expanding its global footprint, a factor that could potentially influence its future in China.

The NBA’s prospective return to China represents a significant chapter in the landscape of global basketball. With its growing international presence, the league is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.