After a six-year pause, the NBA has officially returned to China, marking a significant step in rebuilding its relationship with one of basketball’s largest global fan bases.
The league’s absence from the country dates back to 2019, when tensions arose following a social media post by a Houston Rockets executive that sparked backlash from Chinese authorities and sponsors. The controversy led to a freeze in broadcasting deals and a noticeable decline in NBA-related activities within China.
Now, with both sides looking to move forward, the return signals a renewed effort to strengthen cultural and commercial ties between the NBA and Chinese fans. Preseason games have been staged in major cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, drawing enthusiastic crowds and reviving the league’s presence across Chinese media platforms.
China remains one of the NBA’s most influential international markets, with millions of dedicated followers and a long history of engagement, dating back to Yao Ming’s groundbreaking NBA career. This revival represents more than just a business opportunity — it’s a chance to reconnect with fans who have played a vital role in the sport’s global expansion.
While some political and social sensitivities remain, both the NBA and Chinese organizers appear focused on the positive potential of sports diplomacy, aiming to let basketball once again bridge cultures and inspire unity through the game.