The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to expand its global footprint next season with a series of international preseason games. If the league goes back to the Persian Gulf, that would be just the latest chapter in its yearslong efforts to reach out abroad. This year the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will tip off against each other in Macao, China on October 10 and October 12. At the same time, the New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Melbourne, Australia to play against local teams.
All signs point to the games in Macao being especially spectacular. They would be the first NBA preseason games played in China in six years. Macao, the world’s gaming capital, offers an unmistakable and ornate background for these extravagant and high-stakes contests. The return to this dynamic destination underscores the NBA’s commitment to re-establishing its presence in one of its key international markets.
At the same time, the New Orleans Pelicans will make history as the first-ever NBA team to play in Australia. They face off against Melbourne United on October 3. Then, they’ll take on South East Melbourne Phoenix on October 5. Australian fans will undoubtedly be interested in these matches. This enthusiasm now joins a wave of momentum poised to carry the NBA’s rapid expansion in popularity in the region.
The NBA’s commitment to international games as a regular part of its schedule is further exemplified by the league’s continuing partnership with Abu Dhabi. For the fourth year in a row, the player’s league has held conference championship games in the capital city lies within the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, the NBA signed a deal with tourism officials in Abu Dhabi, solidifying its plans to maintain a presence in the Persian Gulf. This unique partnership underscores the NBA’s continued efforts to reach international fans and grow basketball as a truly global game.
The league will continue its expanding international preseason schedule by travelling to both China and Australia next year. It will continue its long-time presence in Abu Dhabi. By diversifying its locations, the NBA aims to reach fans worldwide and enhance its brand recognition across various markets.
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