Macau: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a multiyear partnership with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, coinciding with the league’s return to China for the first time since 2019.
Alibaba Group confirmed that its cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, will serve as the official cloud computing and AI partner of NBA China. The collaboration will focus on integrating artificial intelligence and cloud technologies to improve fan engagement and digital experiences on the NBA app across China.
The announcement comes as the NBA prepares to stage two preseason games in Macau, marking the league’s debut in the world’s largest gambling hub. The games at the Sands Venetian property, are part of a five-year deal with Sands China, the local unit of Las Vegas Sands.
These matchups also represent the NBA’s first games in the Chinese market since a diplomatic fallout in 2019, triggered by a tweet from then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests. The incident led Beijing to suspend NBA broadcasts and corporate sponsorships, resulting in significant financial losses for the league.
Now, as the NBA seeks to rebuild its presence in China where an estimated 300 million people play basketball, the Macau series symbolizes a cautious but optimistic step forward.
Among the highlights of the event is the participation of Shaquille O’Neal, who joins a lineup of NBA legends and executives attending the games. The Brooklyn Nets, owned by Alibaba chairman Joseph Tsai, will face the Phoenix Suns in two sold-out matchups.
This NBA season also shines a spotlight on Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1 (216cm) Chinese rookie drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. Yang expressed excitement about the league’s return to his home country.
Yang stated that, “Playing for the Blazers is wonderful, and I hope I can bring my teammates and coaches to China in the future. For sure, I wish for more games in China, that works for me perfectly.” The Macau games represent both a symbolic and strategic return for the NBA, blending sport, technology, and diplomacy in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.
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