The National Basketball Association has officially confirmed its continued reengagement with the Chinese market through the scheduling of two preseason contests in Macao this October. The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will face off at the Venetian Arena on October 9th and 11th, marking another significant step in normalizing the league’s relationship with China following years of diplomatic strain.
The selection of teams carries strategic significance. Dallas’s involvement connects directly to Patrick Dumont, the Mavericks’ governor who simultaneously serves as president and chief operating officer of Sands Corp., the casino operator that owns the Macao venue. Dumont expressed particular pride in bringing the Mavericks to experience Sands’ renowned hospitality.
Houston’s participation continues the franchise’s historic connection to China, largely cultivated during Yao Ming’s celebrated career with the Rockets. Since drafting Yao in 2002, the organization has maintained extraordinary popularity among Chinese basketball enthusiasts. Team representative Patrick Fertitta acknowledged the overwhelming support from China’s passionate fan base and cherished memories from previous international games.
This announcement signifies the complete resolution of tensions that began in October 2019 when then-Rockets executive Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters. The incident triggered years of diplomatic friction, including the removal of NBA games from Chinese television broadcasts. The league’s gradual reconciliation has been demonstrated through recent promotional tours featuring superstar athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jimmy Butler, all of whom received enthusiastic receptions.
The choice of Macao as host location reflects the special administrative region’s unique status as China’s only legal gambling hub. The former Portuguese colony, returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1999, provides an appropriate backdrop for the continuing normalization of sports diplomacy between the NBA and China.