The NBA is officially returning to China in 2026, marking the league’s first appearance in the region since 2019 and ending a six-year hiatus. This long-awaited comeback is more than a basketball event—it represents an important moment for international sports, global business partnerships, and cultural exchange at a time of evolving geopolitical dynamics between the United States and China. According to the NBA, the 2026 NBA China Games will feature a two-game preseason series in October 2026 between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets. The games will take place in Macao, China, with exact dates expected to be announced later. This return is particularly significant because it will be the first time since 2019 that NBA teams have played in Greater China, highlighting Macao’s rising importance as a host city for major international sporting and entertainment events.

The league’s last games in China were held in 2019, before political tensions triggered a near-complete blackout of NBA broadcasts on Chinese state television and most digital platforms. The decision to schedule games in Macao for 2026 is viewed by analysts as a careful but meaningful step toward repairing and rebuilding the NBA’s relationship with the Chinese market. This move underscores the role of sports diplomacy, showing how basketball can serve as a bridge between cultures even amid complicated political environments. Unlike simple commercial expansion, the NBA’s return reflects a renewed willingness on both sides to prioritize dialogue, economic engagement, and shared cultural interests through sport.

For the NBA, the return to China provides a major opportunity to reestablish ties with one of its largest and most passionate international fan bases. China has long been a core part of the league’s global growth strategy, contributing heavily to merchandise sales, digital viewership, sponsorship deals, and brand influence across Asia. Reviving in-market events such as the NBA China Games is a critical step toward restoring full commercial operations, including long-term media rights partnerships that historically reached hundreds of millions of viewers. For fans in China, the Suns–Nets matchup represents the chance to watch NBA stars live for the first time in years, reigniting enthusiasm and reconnecting local audiences with the league.

Both the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets bring global recognition and strong international followings. The Suns are known for their high-powered offense and star-driven roster, while the Nets continue to attract attention for their dynamic and evolving lineup. Their meeting in Macao is expected to generate significant interest across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and international basketball communities. While the games themselves will be preseason exhibitions, many experts believe the real significance lies in the symbolic value of the NBA reestablishing its presence and rebuilding a commercial and cultural bridge that has been paused for six years.

Ultimately, the NBA’s return to Macao in 2026 represents more than two games—it marks the reopening of one of the league’s most important international gateways. The decision signals optimism, strategic rebuilding, and the belief that basketball continues to transcend borders, markets, and political differences. The 2026 China Games serve as a reminder that the sport remains a powerful medium for connection, diplomacy, and global engagement, making this comeback a defining moment for both the NBA and the future of international sports relations.