The National Basketball Association (NBA) signed a multimillion-dollar agreement to stage pre-season games in Macau, with the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns playing two games in October, The Standard reported.
China has a fan base of about 300 million to 450 million for basketball, which can benefit the NBA in the post-pandemic world. NBA has recently seen a decline in viewership over the last few years, the publication noted.
The initial talks began in the 2000s but couldn't achieve the desired outcome. However, the Macau authorities started the negotiation again during the Covid period. Officials believe hosting events like NBA games will stir further interest in Macau and boost its tourism, SCMP sad.
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