The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to bring another exciting preseason spectacle to Asia, with the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets confirmed to clash in Macao in 2026. The league, in partnership with Sands China Ltd., announced that the two Texas-based teams will play at The Venetian Arena as part of the NBA China Games 2026.
Schedule and Venue for the Marquee Matchup
The highly anticipated preseason games are scheduled for Friday, October 9, and Sunday, October 11, 2026. The action will unfold at the iconic Venetian Arena in Macao. This follows the successful hosting of the NBA China Games 2025, building on the momentum of basketball's growing popularity across the region.
Beyond the Court: Fan Events and Community Impact
The NBA and Sands plan to create a week-long basketball festival around the two games. The schedule will be packed with interactive experiences for fans and meaningful community outreach.
Key events will include:
- NBA House and NBA Fan Day: Interactive fan zones with games and activities.
- Youth Basketball Clinics: Coaching sessions for aspiring young players.
- Community Impact Week: A joint initiative by NBA Cares and Sands Cares focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and health programs.
Details regarding ticket sales and specific activity schedules will be announced at a later date.
Global Broadcast and Marketing Power
The NBA's global reach will be on full display, with the games being broadcast to fans in over 200 countries and territories via social media, digital platforms, and television. Major brands like Amazon Web Services, Gatorade, Nike, and Tissot have signed on as marketing partners for the games and the surrounding events.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum highlighted the significance, stating the previous games in Macao demonstrated the immense passion for the NBA in China and Asia. He expressed eagerness to engage fans and the local community once again through this event.
Grant Chum, President of Sands China Ltd., echoed the excitement, promising an "amazing NBA week filled with unforgettable experiences of sports, entertainment and community" for teams and fans visiting Macao.
Both franchises have a rich history of participating in the NBA's global initiatives. Their rosters have often featured international stars, helping them cultivate substantial fan bases worldwide. The Rockets, in particular, have a deep connection with Asian fans, making their selection for this event a strategic one.
The 2026 NBA China Games in Macao is poised to be more than just a basketball game; it is a celebration of the sport's power to connect cultures and communities across the globe.
