Topline
The NBA will return to China after more than a year off the air and “dramatic” losses in recognition of the league’s help with fighting Covid-19 in China, state-owned CCTV said Friday, marking a major improvement in a relationship that was severely damaged when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
The NBA is set to return to television in China after a yearlong ban
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Key Facts
CCTV plans to televise Game 5 of the NBA Finals, ESPN reports.
It said the league’s help with fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in China — which has included sending well wishes to fans over the recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival and sending donations of money and medical supplies — was a factor in the decision.
Repairing relations with China has been a priority for the league since it was banned over a year ago, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver describing the losses due to the rift as “dramatic,” “substantial” and likely in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Key Background
On October 4, 2019, a single tweet from Morey plunged one of the world’s most valuable sports leagues into chaos: “Fight for freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” It sparked outrage in China, led Chinese sponsors to cut ties and the state broadcaster CCTV to enforce an NBA blackout. The situation worsened when Commissioner Adam Silver defended freedom of expression, saying the league “will not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees and team owners say or will not say.” Nor would, Silver insisted, the league submit to Beijing’s request that Morey be fired. A government spokesperson denied China made such a request. Morey holds the role to this day.
Attempts to play both sides backfired spectacularly. Silver had also described the tweet as “regrettable”, prompting backlash from U.S. fans, arguments over free speech and accusations that the league was attempting to safeguard its business in China. LeBron James, the NBA’s biggest star, was widely criticized when he described Morey as “misinformed” and “not educated about the situation.”
What To Watch For
Whether it’s a one-off broadcast by CCTV or the first step towards fully resuming China’s relationship with the NBA.
Tangent
The NBA’s yearlong ban in China illustrates the Chinese government’s willingness to use access to its enormous market as a tool to keep Western companies toeing the Beijing line, particularly when it comes to the status of Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Big Number
$4 billion. That’s how much the Chinese market is estimated to be worth to the NBA.
Further Reading
NBA Boss Adam Silver: Losses Have Been ‘Dramatic’; China Called For Firing Daryl Morey (Forbes)
The Fallout From Daryl Morey’s Pro-Hong Kong Tweet Is Now A Very Expensive Problem For The NBA (Forbes)