Macau gears up for NBA games, over $16M local spending expected
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is back in China for the first time since 2019, marking a major comeback with two sold-out pre-season games in Macau. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will headline the NBA Macau Games 2025, taking place on 10 and 12 October 2025 at the Venetian Arena, drawing massive excitement among fans and local businesses alike.
Both teams arrived in the Special Administrative Region earlier this week, with tickets for both games selling out within hours. Analysts say the decision to stage the event in Macau represents a “soft landing” for the NBA’s return to the Chinese market amid sensitive US-China relations.
The NBA Macau Games are part of the wider NBA China Games 2025 presented by Taobao 88VIP, supported by Sands China. The week-long programme features community events, fan experiences, and outreach initiatives designed to inspire young athletes and strengthen local engagement.
NBA House becomes major draw
A host of basketball legends, including Yao Ming, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Jeremy Lin, and Stephon Marbury, will take part in youth clinics, school visits, and charity activities for elderly and disabled residents. WNBA champion Myisha Hines-Allen will also conduct a Her Time To Play clinic to promote girls’ participation in sports.
A major attraction will be the launch of NBA House, an immersive fan experience combining basketball, music, fashion, and technology — the first of its kind in Macau. The initiative forms part of a five-year partnership between Sands China and the NBA, ensuring two pre-season games a year and a consistent focus on community engagement.
NBA officials said the return to Macau reflects the league’s long-term strategy to grow its global fan base and reinforce its connection with Chinese audiences, where basketball remains one of the most popular sports. A special highlight for local fans will be the appearance of 21-year-old Chinese guard Yongxi Cui, who recently signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Standing at 6’5”, Cui is seen as one of the most promising young Chinese players, and his presence is expected to attract strong support from mainland fans.
The Nets will feature Cameron Johnson, Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton, while the Suns arrive with stars Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and centre Jusuf Nurkic. The games mark Macau’s third NBA showcase, following previous events in 2007 and 2014.
Mammoth local spending expected
Adding to the fanfare, Sands China will host an NBA Fan Day on 11 October featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Hong Kong pop star Keung To, and rapper MC Jin. Tickets start at MOP388 (€45), broadening access to fans unable to attend the main fixtures.
Analysts estimate that each NBA event could generate between $9.6 million (€8.9 million) and $16 million (€14.8 million) in local spending, with attendance expected to reach up to 50,000 visitors. The figures support the Macau government’s push to diversify tourism and increase non-gaming revenues, which currently account for just 20 percent of the economy.
Observers also note that the event could indirectly boost Macau’s regulated sports betting market, which remains small compared to its casino revenues. The NBA showcase, they say, could double sports betting turnover during the week, marking another step in Macau’s ongoing effort to evolve beyond gaming.
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