Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 26/01/2026 - 23:25:24 - PM
The NBA has officially announced that it will bring its pre-season basketball spectacle back to Macau in October 2026, continuing its expanded global footprint following the successful NBA China Games in 2025. According to multiple sources, the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are scheduled to play two pre-season games at The Venetian Arena on October 9 and October 11, 2026, in what is being billed as a “Texas showdown” at the heart of the NBA’s renewed endeavors in Asia.
The announcement highlights how Macau, long known primarily as an entertainment and gaming hub, is becoming a significant venue for major international sports events. The games are part of the NBA China Games 2026 presented by Taobao 88VIP, co-sponsored by the NBA and Sands China Ltd., which operates The Venetian Arena. The 2025 return of the NBA to Macau after an 18-year gap drew strong crowds and engagement, motivating league officials to build on that momentum with this high-profile matchup of two Texas-based franchises.
Beyond the on-court action, the NBA China Games are expected to include fan engagement activities, community outreach programs, and global media broadcasts, underscoring the league’s strategy to cultivate a broader international audience. Multiple reports indicate that league leadership, along with host partners like Sands China, view the Macau games as key components of the NBA’s efforts to deepen ties with Asian basketball fans and enhance the region’s sports tourism offerings.
From a broader perspective, this announcement also reflects the NBA’s post-hiatus normalization of activities in China after disruptions caused by past diplomatic tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Coverage from international outlets notes that these Macau preseason games not only serve competitive purposes but also signify improved relations and renewed enthusiasm for NBA basketball among Chinese and regional supporters.
