After a six-year hiatus, the NBA dribbles back into China, bringing the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns to Macao for preseason games, proving that even basketball can heal political rifts—at least until the next tweet.

Set to take place on October 10 and 12, 2025, these preseason matchups not only mark the NBA's long-awaited return to China since the 2019 political fallout over Daryl Morey's fateful tweet but also highlight the league's intent to rebuild bridges—and bank accounts—by reconnecting with its 300 million fans. The event will even feature the grand opening of an NBA Flagship Store in Macao, because what's better for diplomacy than souvenirs?

The fallout from Morey's tweet, which voiced support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, sent shockwaves through the NBA, causing a ripple effect on its lucrative relationship with China. Consequently, the league witnessed significant revenue losses, with Commissioner Adam Silver estimating a staggering deficit of hundreds of millions of dollars. The political storm, however, appears to have calmed enough for the NBA to lace up its sneakers once again and engage with its vast fanbase in the region.

Engaging with fans is a priority for the NBA, particularly in locations such as Macao, known for its bustling tourism and gaming industry. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has emphasized the importance of connecting with aspiring basketball players and fans in the area. "Macao represents a fantastic opportunity for us to not just grow the game but to bring joy to the fans who have been waiting to see NBA action firsthand," Tatum said, in what could be interpreted as a sales pitch for both basketball and the forthcoming jerseys.

For the Brooklyn Nets, owned by Joe Tsai—who has his own significant connections to China—the timing of these games couldn't be better. Tsai's dual role as a bridge between cultures and a businessman ensures that there will be no shortage of enthusiasm for his team. The Phoenix Suns can't be too disappointed either, as they are invited guests in a basketball road trip that, regardless of the outcome on the court, will certainly be viewed as a slam dunk on a business level.

Fans are eager for the return of NBA action, particularly given the enduring popularity of basketball in China, where estimates put the fanbase at a whopping 300 million. One can only imagine the excitement brewing as die-hard fans prepare to witness live games featuring their favorite players. Perhaps there will be jersey sales that rival even the most fervent of election campaigns, with fans queuing up not just for autographs but for limited-edition merchandise that may or may not feature the illustrious Morey tweet in a collector's set.

As the games draw near, speculation about the atmosphere in the arenas will surely abound. Will the snacks consist of traditional favorites, or will they serve delicacies more suitable for a night at the theater? And what about the halftime shows—could there be a combination of acrobatics and engaging presentations? Essentially, these games are not merely exhibitions of sport; they are cultural exchanges that come with their own menu of diplomatic pizzazz.

Historically, the NBA has prided itself on its global outreach, using the sport as a platform for fostering connections, even in the face of adversity. With their return to China, the NBA manages to take a step toward mending relations, both with fans and with the lucrative market that had been largely untapped since 2019. Time will tell if this strategy pays off—not just in basket points but also in biryani and beats from thrilling live-match commentary.

In summary, as the world tunes into the games in Macao, one can only hope that the players and fans alike can set aside any vestiges of past grievances in favor of enjoying the sport. For many, these matchups promise to be more than just basketball games; they could become a collective sigh of relief, a breath meant to signal that sometimes, all it takes to move past misunderstanding is a well-aimed three-pointer.

So, whether you're a Brooklyn Nets diehard or a fervent Phoenix Suns supporter, mark your calendars for October 10 and 12, and prepare for what promises to be two weekends filled with basketball, commerce, and maybe a fleeting sense of global unity—if only until someone tweets again.