Macao to host 2025 NBA China Games

Macao will host the 2025 NBA China Games, with two preseason matches between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns scheduled for Oct. 10 and 12 at the Venetian Arena next year, it was announced at a press conference Friday afternoon.

The announcement was made by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum at the conference when the global sport organization revealed a multiyear partnership with Las Vegas Sands Cooperation to bring the NBA China Games to the special administrative region in the coming years.

Mark Tatum (9th L), NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer, Patrick Dumont (9th R), Las Vegas Sands president and chief operating officer, pose for a group photo with other guests at Friday's press conference in Macao. Photo courtesy of the event organizers

Tatum at the conference expressed enthusiasm for engaging with fans, up-and-coming players and the local community in Macao through these games, as well as a variety of interactive events, youth development programs and social impact initiatives.

According to the collaboration agreement, interactive fan activities, NBA Cares community outreach initiatives, and various lifestyle events will be held in Macao throughout the year. An NBA Fan Day is also scheduled during the week of the games, featuring celebrity performances, on-court activities and skills competitions.

Grant Chum, president and chief executive officer of Sands China Ltd., said at the release that the collaboration showed Sands China’s commitment to delivering “exceptional experiences to our guests and local community by providing a diverse spectrum of sports and lifestyle events throughout the year.”

Highlighted players from the Nets include 2023 FIBA World Cup gold medalist Dennis Schröder (Germany), 2023 USA Basketball Men’s National Team member Cam Johnson (U.S.) and three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons (Australia). The Suns boasts talents like four-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant (U.S.), two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker (U.S.), and three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal (U.S.).

Further details regarding ticket sales will be disclosed at a later date.

Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks said at Friday’s event, “We can’t wait to bring our love of the game directly to our fans while giving our players and coaches the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture.”

Phoenix Suns Chief Executive Officer Josh Bartelstein said it has been part of the club’s vision to bring the Suns to a global audience.

Friday’s event in Macao was also attended by Las Vegas Sands President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment Global Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships Catherine Carlson, Phoenix Suns Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer Dan Costello, and NBA Legends Ray Allen, DeMarcus Cousins, Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, Cuttino Mobley and Tony Parker.