"Relations between the NBA and China had soured after a pro-democracy tweet was liked by a team official in 2019. The Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns met in a sold-out preseason game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence prompted by a pro-democracy tweet. The first of two matches in Macau capped the NBA's bid to mend fences with China, a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball."
"The atmosphere is amazing. I've been a Suns fan for a long time, said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from the nearby Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen. The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it's on my doorstep, I'll show up to give my support, Jin said, adding he spent about 5,000 yuan ($700) for tickets and travel."
"Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception and also particularly looked forward to seeing China's 22-year-old debutant Nets forward Zeng Fanbo. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said on Thursday that there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China. Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity visit and to learn about a new culture."
Relations between the NBA and China soured after a pro-democracy tweet liked by a team official in 2019. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns played a sold-out preseason game in Macau, marking the NBA's return to China after six years. The Macau games capped efforts to mend fences with a lucrative market where an estimated 125 million people play basketball. Fans paid significant amounts to attend and cheered stars like Devin Booker while welcoming debutant Zeng Fanbo. NBA commissioner Adam Silver noted tremendous interest in China. Coaches described the trip as an opportunity to visit, learn about the culture, and give players a memorable experience. The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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