NBA China Games 2026: Mavericks and Rockets to Face Off in Macao
Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) looks to pass as Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The NBA officially announces its return to China with the NBA China Games 2026. The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will face each other in two games in Macao on October 9 and 11.
This announcement confirms a rumor launched last October by Patrick Dumont, governor of the Mavericks and director of operations for Las Vegas Sands Corp. The choice of Dallas is naturally explained by Dumont’s dual role, as Sands Corp. owns and operates the Venetian Arena where the games will take place.
Houston, a Symbolic Choice to Reconnect with China
The selection of the Rockets takes on particular significance in the context of NBA-China relations. Since Yao Ming’s draft in 2002, Houston has enjoyed enormous popularity in China. « Since Hall of Famer Yao Ming was drafted first overall in 2002, we have received considerable love from China’s passionate basketball fans and built several precious memories playing abroad, » said Patrick Fertitta, Rockets assistant manager.
This participation symbolically marks the end of a six-year conflict between the NBA and China, triggered in October 2019 by a tweet from Daryl Morey, then Rockets general manager, supporting Hong Kong protesters. NBA games were even removed from Chinese television for years.
A Global Event with Community Impact
Beyond the two games, the NBA China Games 2026 will include interactive fan events, basketball training for youth, and a community impact week co-organized by NBA Cares and Sands Cares, focused on health, wellness, and sustainability.
« The games in Macao earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and throughout Asia, » highlighted Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. The event will be broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories, with support from partners like Amazon Web Services, Gatorade, Nike, and Tissot.
This initiative is part of the Mavericks‘ international expansion strategy, who estimate they have 10 million fans in China and had already played two preseason games in Shanghai and Shenzhen in October 2018.
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