NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism that games could resume in China, indicating a thaw in relations between the league and the country that have been strained since 2019.
Tensions between the NBA and China have subsided significantly, paving the way for the resumption of games in the country, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Addressing the Columbia University Sports Management Conference, Silver hinted at the potential return of NBA games in China, signaling an easing of tensions that have persisted for five years.
The controversy between the NBA and China erupted in 2019 when Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The Chinese government retaliated by suspending the airing of NBA games in the country, severely impacting the league's commercial interests in China.
NBA Games to Return to China as Tensions Ease, Says Commissioner Silver
However, Silver affirmed that relations have since improved. "I think we will bring games back to China at some point," he stated. "China's government took us off the air for a period of time. We accepted that. We stood by our values. ... Anybody in our league has the right to speak out on political matters."
The NBA's financial losses during the blackout were substantial, according to Silver, as China represents a significant market for the league. Furthermore, Chinese officials demanded that Morey be fired for his support of the protests, leading to a disagreement between the parties. The NBA's response to the crisis was not universally lauded. Cuban, a staunch opponent of Chinese human rights violations, has defended the NBA's partnership with China due to financial gains.
NBA Games to Return to China as Tensions Ease, Says Commissioner Silver
Despite the controversy, Silver remains bullish about the league's global reach. "We've been adamant about wanting to reach our global audience, while creating new demographics in different countries," he said. Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai echoed this sentiment, asserting that the league's relationship with China is "in a very good place."
However, the NBA's partnership with China has not been without its detractors. Critics have condemned the league's business ties to China, particularly over the issue of league-backed training camps in Xinjiang, where the Chinese government has been accused of repressing the Uyghur population. Human rights violations, including the Uyghur genocide, forced abortion, and involuntary birth control, have also raised concerns.
NBA Games to Return to China as Tensions Ease, Says Commissioner Silver
In 2022, an ESPN investigation revealed that NBA owners had a collective $10 billion invested in China, including a joint venture with an entity sanctioned by the U.S. government. Enes Kanter Freedom, a former NBA center, has alleged that his career was affected by his criticism of China's treatment of the Uyghur people.
Despite these criticisms, Silver maintained that the NBA is committed to global expansion. "The 2024-25 NBA regular season will kick off Oct. 22," he declared, adding that games in China could be in the league's future plans.
The NBA's decision to return to China sends a strong signal that tensions between the league and the country are waning. As the league navigates the complex geopolitical landscape, it will be closely scrutinized for its stance on human rights and social justice issues.
