MACAO, CHINA AND NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928.HK) today announced a multiyear collaboration to bring NBA China Games to Macao, beginning in 2025 when the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12 at The Venetian Arena.
The NBA and Sands will conduct interactive fan activities, NBA Cares community outreach initiatives, and lifestyle events that will bring the NBA experience to fans in Macao throughout the year, including an NBA Fan Day during the week of the games that will feature celebrity performances and the opportunity to watch the teams, celebrities and influencers participate in oncourt activities and skills competitions. Ahead of the games, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macao and provide fans in Macao and visiting from around the world with a wide range of authentic and customizable NBA merchandise from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Wilson and NBA Kids.
Sands hosted an event today at The Londoner Arena in Macao where the announcement was made by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, and Sands China Ltd. (SCL) President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum. Joining them on stage were Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) 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.
The Nets currently feature 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 currently feature 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.).
The NBA China Games 2025 presented by 88VIP will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. Ticket sales information will be announced at a later date.
In addition to presenting partner 88VIP, the games and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Ant International, Ctrip, Mengniu, Nike and Tissot. Sands China, the Official Integrated Resort Partner of NBA China, will serve as the Official Promoter of the games.
Executive Quotes:
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum:
“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, and we look forward to engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community in Macao through these games and a variety of interactive events, youth development programs and social impact initiatives.”
LVS President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont:
“NBA basketball is a global sport that attracts people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures. It creates exciting experiences that connect people while playing a positive role in communities. Sands is honored to bring The NBA China Games to Macao so that the most elite level of basketball can be experienced directly by the fans who are so passionate about it. We look forward to welcoming the NBA to Macao next October.”
SCL President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum:
“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of an exciting multiyear collaboration between Sands China and the NBA. We are thrilled to be bringing The NBA China Games to Macao and to create opportunities for basketball fans from around the world to celebrate the best of sports. This association reflects Sands China’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and our local community by providing a diverse spectrum of sports and lifestyle events throughout the year.”
Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks:
“We always love the opportunity to compete on the global stage and we are grateful to participate in The NBA China Games 2025. The Brooklyn Nets have an incredible fanbase around the globe and 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:
“We are excited to bring the Phoenix Suns to Macao next year to compete in front of our passionate fans in the region. Participating in The NBA China Games 2025 is part of our owner Mat Ishbia’s vision to bring the Suns to a global audience and impact fans across the world.”
