Relations between the NBA and China had soured after a pro-democracy tweet was liked by a team official in 2019.Published On 10 Oct 202510 Oct 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareThe Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns met in a sold-out preseason game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA’s return to China after a six-year absence prompted by a pro-democracy tweet.The first of two matches in Macau capped the NBA’s bid to mend fences with China, a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list“The atmosphere is amazing. I’ve been a Suns fan for a long time,” said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from the nearby Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.“The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it’s on my doorstep, I’ll show up to give my support,” Jin said, adding he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) for tickets and travel.Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception and also particularly looked forward to seeing China’s 22-year-old debutant Nets forward Zeng Fanbo.NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on Thursday that “there’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China.”Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity visit and to learn about a new culture.“We are told that we get support from China, a lot of fans watching our games. But the reality is you don’t know until you come here,” he said.Also speaking before the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said many of his players were travelling to China for the first time.“Just that excitement when they walk out tonight – we know it’s a packed house – would be a really cool experience for all of us to remember,” Ott said. Former footballer, Inter Miami CF co-owner and Salford City co-owner David Beckham was among those in attendance for the match in Macau [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA on Friday, which includes providing opportunities for Chine …
