### NBA's Return to China: A Historic Comeback After Political Fallout The NBA has made a significant return to China, marking its first games in the country in six years. This comeback follows a period of strained relations due to political controversies surrounding the league's stance on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The Phoenix Suns faced off against the Brooklyn Nets in a thrilling pre-season game in Macau, which ended in a 132-127 overtime victory for the Suns. The event attracted a packed crowd, signaling a renewed interest in basketball among Chinese fans and the potential for the NBA to re-establish its presence in the lucrative Chinese market [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/packed-crowd-greets-nba-return-to-china-after-six-year-absence]. ### Structure of the NBA's Comeback in China 1. **Background of the NBA's Absence** - The NBA's hiatus from China was primarily due to backlash from comments made by league officials in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests in 2019, which led to a significant cooling of relations with Chinese authorities [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-09/nba-games-return-to-china-six-years-after-hong-kong-fallout]. 2. **Details of the Recent Games** - The NBA organized two pre-season games in Macau, with the first game taking place on October 10, 2025, and the second on October 12, 2025. Both games were sold out, indicating strong demand and interest from fans [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/nba-back-in-china-after-six-year-absence-sparked-by-democracy-tweet]. 3. **Significance of the Comeback** - This return is seen as a test for a broader re-engagement with the Chinese market, which is crucial for the NBA's global strategy. Experts suggest that the league is looking to capitalize on its popularity in China, which has been a significant source of revenue and fan engagement [https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-games-macau-test-waters-china-comeback-2025-10-10]. 4. **Fan Reception and Future Prospects** - The enthusiastic turnout of fans, including individuals like Yun Hui, who traveled from afar to witness the games, reflects the enduring popularity of the NBA in China. This positive reception could pave the way for more regular season games and events in the future [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/nba/nba-making-comeback-biggest-us-soft-power-china/4283727]. ### Evidence Supporting the NBA's Comeback - **Attendance Figures**: Both pre-season games in Macau were sold out, showcasing the high demand for NBA events in China [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/nba-back-in-china-after-six-year-absence-sparked-by-democracy-tweet]. - **Historical Context**: The NBA's absence lasted six years, primarily due to political tensions stemming from the Hong Kong protests, which had a significant impact on the league's operations in China [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-09/nba-games-return-to-china-six-years-after-hong-kong-fallout]. - **Market Potential**: Analysts believe that the NBA's return could lead to substantial opportunities for growth in the Chinese market, which has been a critical area for the league's international expansion [https://san.com/cc/nba-eyes-big-opportunities-as-games-return-to-china-after-6-year-absence]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the NBA in China In summary, the NBA's return to China represents a pivotal moment for the league, as it seeks to mend relationships and re-establish its brand in a key international market. The successful execution of the pre-season games in Macau has not only rekindled fan interest but also opened doors for future engagements. 1. **Historic Comeback**: The NBA's return after six years is a significant milestone, reflecting both the league's resilience and the enduring popularity of basketball in China. 2. **Positive Fan Engagement**: The sold-out games indicate a strong demand for NBA events, suggesting a favorable environment for future games. 3. **Strategic Opportunities**: The league is poised to explore new avenues for growth in China, leveraging its brand and fanbase to enhance its global presence. The NBA's journey back to China is not just about basketball; it symbolizes a broader narrative of cultural exchange and the complexities of international relations in sports [https://www.firstpost.com/sports/nba-news/nba-returns-to-macau-as-league-tests-waters-for-a-full-fledged-china-comeback-13941087.html].