NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum has recently downplayed the likelihood of regular-season games being held in Asia, despite a new multi-year deal for pre-season games in Macau. The agreement will see the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns compete on October 10 and 12, 2025, at the Venetian Arena, marking a significant reboot of the NBA China Games after a five-year hiatus [3ddd43e8].
Tatum cited several challenges that contribute to the uncertainty surrounding regular-season games in Asia, including travel logistics and potential impacts on player performance. The NBA has not hosted regular-season games in Asia since the early 2000s, with Japan being the last country to do so from 1990 to 1996. While the league has successfully staged games in Mexico and Europe, the complexities of organizing events in Asia present unique hurdles [3ddd43e8].
Currently, the NBA's focus remains on Macau, with no immediate plans for events in mainland China. This strategic decision reflects the league's cautious approach to expanding its international footprint amid ongoing logistical challenges [3ddd43e8].
In the context of basketball's growth in Asia, the recent developments in Mongolia and Hong Kong's 3x3 basketball scene highlight the region's increasing enthusiasm for the sport. Steve Sir, head coach of Mongolia's teams, has praised the country's advancements in 3x3 basketball, while Hong Kong's City University seeks to elevate local talent through competitive exposure [b11b6b8e][3bc65adf].
As the NBA navigates its international strategy, the contrasting dynamics of grassroots basketball development in regions like Mongolia and Hong Kong may offer insights into the potential for future growth in Asia's basketball landscape [b11b6b8e][3bc65adf].