Macau’s Venetian burst into life over the weekend as 14,000 fans packed the Cotai Arena to watch the Brooklyn Nets face the Phoenix Suns, marking the NBA’s long-awaited return to Macau after six years.
The Suns clinched victory in overtime during Friday’s opening match, followed by another showcase game on Sunday. This event launched a five-year partnership between Sands China and the NBA, signaling a new era of sports entertainment for the gaming hub.
The games also introduced a new collaboration with Alibaba, and founder Jack Ma joined the crowd for Friday’s tip-off.
With 300 million basketball players across China, the NBA aims to reconnect with Chinese fans through Macau, bridging the gap created by its previous absence. While sports betting remains illegal in mainland China, the sport’s popularity continues to lift global viewership, sponsorship deals, and advertising revenue.
Sands China spotlighted superstar power by inviting Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, and Shaquille O’Neal to the event. Pop and rap artists electrified the arena with live performances, turning the games into full-scale entertainment spectacles.
To enhance the experience, Sands China built a 14,000-square-meter “NBA House”, featuring photo zones, skills clinics, live entertainment, and food and beverage areas for fans.
Sponsors from the MICE sector, including AWS (Amazon Web Services), showcased their presence throughout the NBA-themed venue, reinforcing Macau’s ambition to merge sports, business, and tourism into one dynamic platform.
