The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China – but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.<\/p>\n
The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into “China’s team” during a seven-year spell in the United States.<\/p>\n
The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA’s profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.<\/p>\n
Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (\u00a33.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.<\/p>\n
“We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.<\/p>\n
“As you know, there’s tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it’s wonderful to be back here.”<\/p>\n
Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: “Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person.”<\/p>\n