NBA and WNBA Set to Expand Presence in China
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Friday the league’s ambition to bring WNBA games to China, signaling a new phase in the NBA’s ongoing efforts to grow basketball’s footprint in the region. Speaking exclusively with CNBC from Macao, where the NBA is hosting two games marking its return to China after a six-year hiatus, Silver emphasized the strong interest in women’s basketball across the country.
“We have to get through a new collective bargaining agreement with our players. But once we do, there’s so much interest in women’s basketball here, I think we’d love to bring a WNBA game to Macao or to mainland China.”
NBA Returns to China After Six Years
The two NBA games in Macao this weekend represent the league’s first on-court presence in China since 2019, underscoring a renewed commitment to the country’s vast basketball market. According to NBA data, approximately 425 million Chinese fans follow NBA league, team, and player accounts on social media, making China the league’s second-largest market globally.
Partnership to Develop Chinese Basketball Talent
In line with its expansion strategy, the NBA announced a collaboration with the Chinese Basketball Association focused on advancing elite Chinese players, coaches, and referees. Silver stressed the importance of grassroots development, highlighting that nurturing young talent in China is essential for the sport’s growth and fan engagement.
“Let’s do more to develop the game here, really at the youth level. If they have Chinese players in the NBA, that takes interest to a whole another level.”
To date, 16 Chinese players have competed in the NBA and WNBA, a figure the league aims to increase through these development initiatives.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The NBA’s renewed focus on China represents a strategic move to capitalize on one of the world’s largest sports markets. By integrating WNBA games and enhancing youth development programs, the league is poised to deepen fan engagement and broaden its talent pipeline.
- Opportunities: Expansion of women’s professional basketball in China, increased sponsorship and broadcasting revenues, development of local talent boosting league popularity.
- Risks: Potential geopolitical tensions affecting sports diplomacy, challenges in finalizing collective bargaining agreements, and competition from other sports or entertainment sectors.
Impact: The NBA’s strategic initiatives to bring WNBA games to China and strengthen player development are expected to have a positive long-term impact on the league’s international growth and market penetration.
