Today, the NBA and Sands China revealed a multiyear deal that will see the league host several preseason games in Macau. 

The Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns are set to compete in two exhibition games at the Venetian Arena, which is situated at the Sands China-managed casino hotel sharing its name. The competitions are planned for Friday, October 10, and Sunday, October 12. 

Sands China belongs to Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS). Dr. Miriam Adelson is the biggest individual stakeholder in that firm, and she along with her son-in-law Patrick Dumont — who serves as president and chief operating officer of the casino behemoth — own the Dallas Mavericks. Dumont functions as the governor of the NBA team.

"Bringing preseason games to Macao will showcase the excitement of the NBA to fans in one of the world’s emerging hubs for sports.  The Nets and the Suns feature an exciting mix of established and rising stars,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum in a statement.

If the following players remain with their current teams until the beginning of the 2025 season, the Suns will bring all-stars Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and two-time champion Kevin Durant to Macau. 

NBA's Comeback to China Comes After Morey Controversy 

The announcement of the Macau exhibition games signifies the NBA's comeback to China after a five-year hiatus that was partially due to former Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey. 

In 2019, Morey expressed his backing for Hong Kong demonstrators on the social media site previously called Twitter. The image that has since been removed stated, “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.” Morey’s tweet received criticism from several NBA players, with LeBron James labeling the executive’s perspective as misguided, while some officials in China urged the NBA to dismiss the general manager. 

There are indirect gaming connections in that situation because at that time, Morey's employer was Tilman Fertitta – the owner of the Houston Rockets and the Golden Nugget casino business. Fertitta swiftly stated that Morey’s opinions did not represent those of the Rockets, but the harm was already caused as China declined to broadcast Rockets games during the 2019-20 season, even when the team faced rivals with high-profile stars. 

At that moment, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked that the league might forfeit up to $400 million in yearly revenue without access to China. Morey departed from the Rockets in 2020 and took on the role of president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers later that same year. 

Macau Games Might Generate Revenue 

Though the financial aspects of the NBA's association with Macau weren't disclosed, it is expected to be a lucrative partnership for Sands China due to the league's immense popularity among Chinese supporters. The league is aware of this and has ways to harness that excitement. 

“Ahead of the games, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macau and provide fans in Macau and visiting from around the world with a wide range of authentic and customizable NBA merchandise from major brands,” according to the statement.

Sands China also operates The Londoner.