The NBA returns and lights up Macau after a six-year hiatus
The global sports community is watching the return of the NBA to Macau with bated breath after a long six-year absence. This event has become not just another stage in the basketball calendar, but a true breakthrough for China's sports and entertainment industry. Right here, in the very heart of the Asian gaming business, basketball is once again gathering an army of fans and attracting the close attention of investors. The excitement of fans, the interest of businesspeople, and the bustle on the city streets—all of this creates a unique atmosphere that is being discussed around the world.
Fans welcome the NBA with enthusiasm and create a festive atmosphere
From the very first days, it became clear that Macau residents and visitors had been eagerly awaiting this moment. Fans literally flooded the streets and venues to meet their favorite players and become part of a major sporting event. The games are held to sold-out crowds, tickets sell out in a matter of hours, and a festive hustle and bustle reigns near the stadiums. Basketball fever has gripped not only the arena but the entire city—people take photos with club symbols, discuss upcoming games, and create an atmosphere of unity. Such large-scale events help shape a positive image of the region, highlighting its status as a center of event tourism.
Patrick Dumont bets on the synergy of basketball and the gaming business
The organization of NBA games in Macau became possible thanks to the efforts of Patrick Dumont—the new owner of the Dallas Mavericks and future CEO of Las Vegas Sands. Dumont sees sports as a powerful tool for developing the entertainment and tourism sector. He is personally interested in ensuring that basketball in Macau brings not only sporting victories but also economic dividends for the entire industry. According to him, investments in sporting events and new leisure formats will attract new audiences to the region and strengthen Macau’s position on the global entertainment map.
Macau seeks to change its economic course and reduce dependence on casinos
For decades, Macau has held the title of the world capital of gambling, generating colossal revenues from casinos every year. In 2024, the gross revenue of the gaming industry reached $28 billion, almost twice the record figures of Las Vegas, which earned $15.6 billion over the same period. Before the pandemic, the gap was even more impressive—Macau outpaced its American competitor by almost seven times. However, the region’s authorities recognize the risks of excessive dependence on a single industry and have already announced a strategic course toward economic diversification. By 2028, the plan is to increase the share of non-gaming revenues to 60% of GDP, which should reduce vulnerability to external shocks and create new growth points.
New leisure formats and luxury entertainment attract tourists
In response to the challenges of the times, the largest casino operators are investing billions in developing non-gaming sectors. Now Macau is associated not only with roulette and poker, but also with concerts by world stars, international conferences, sports tournaments, and premium restaurants. For example, at MGM Macau, guests can relax in a spa area where real snow falls, or experience the emotions of swimming in a pool with an artificially created thunderstorm. The Studio City complex offers a water park and skate park, while Wynn amazes visitors with immersive gastronomic shows. Sands has invested nearly $4 billion in developing infrastructure for major events, including the Venetian arena, where basketball games are held. These innovative offerings make Macau attractive for families, young people, and discerning travelers.
Ticket demand reaches records and confirms basketball’s popularity in China
The huge interest in NBA games in Macau is confirmed not only by sold-out stands but also by record ticket prices. In the top price segment, tickets are sold for more than $3,000, despite the fact that not the most titled teams—Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns—are playing. Queues at the box office and the buzz on social media highlight how much basketball is in demand among Chinese fans. The popularity of the NBA in China is explained not only by the sporting aspect but also by the league’s status as a symbol of international cooperation and cultural exchange. China consistently remains the second most important market for the NBA, and the league’s management is making long-term plans to expand its presence in the region.
Basketball makes it possible to attract not only gamblers but also sports fans to Macau, which is critically important for the entertainment industry. This makes it possible to maintain leadership in the gambling sector, especially during the mass popularity of online casinos and iGaming.
In many media outlets and online portals, it is often mentioned that competing with the online gambling sector is becoming more difficult every year. The variety of games is growing rapidly and players are getting more diverse content than in offline casinos. This has become especially noticeable in the crash games segment, which are gaining popularity faster than others. A new user is more attracted by the online lucky jet real money game than by classic slots and card games.
Therefore, Macau and Las Vegas, given that iGaming shows not even a hint of losing popularity, are forced to offer more and more activities that can attract a wider audience, and basketball is one of them.
Basketball diplomacy faces challenges and opens new prospects
However, relations between the NBA and China have not always been cloudless. In 2019, a statement by one of the top managers of the Houston Rockets caused a diplomatic scandal and led to a temporary suspension of game broadcasts on national television. Restoring trust took several years, and only in 2022 did games return to the air, although digital platforms continued to show matches. Today, the league is making efforts to strengthen ties with the Chinese audience by offering special fan events and expanding its cooperation program. Despite political and economic risks, the potential for growth and benefits for all participants remains significant.
Key takeaways: Macau changes the rules of the game for sports and business
The return of the NBA has become not just a sporting event, but a catalyst for large-scale changes in Macau. The synergy of sports, the entertainment industry, and tourism creates unique opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and fans. Macau demonstrates how a well-thought-out diversification strategy allows a region to reach a new level of development and become an example for other markets seeking to reduce dependence on traditional industries. Macau’s experience proves that sports can not only unite people but also launch major economic and cultural transformations.