The Phoenix Suns are more than a hometown favorite – they are a global sensation. Last month, the Suns took a historic trip to Macao for two preseason matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, a major milestone in the franchise’s long-term strategy to expand its footprint across Asia and strengthen the global presence of Arizona’s original professional sports franchise. 

The trip, as part of the 2025 NBA China Games, were two years in the making. The effort included six international trips involving Suns players, staff, and alumni and more than 750,000 miles traveled as the organization worked to build relationships, host community events, and deepen ties with fans throughout the region.  

Nearly 200 people traveled with the Suns delegation to Macao this fall, including team personnel and more than 50 corporate partners representing major organizations such as Annexus, Banner Health, Bell Bank, Fry’s Food Stores, KIA, Mountain America Credit Union, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Ticketmaster, and others. 

Positioning Arizona’s NBA franchise on the global stage 

For the Suns, the Macao games were a critical part of the organization’s vision to elevate the franchise into a premier global sports brand that reflects both the competitiveness of the NBA and the economic dynamism of Arizona. Asia represents one of the world’s most passionate and fast-growing basketball markets, and the Suns’ multi-year investment in the region aims to forge a durable, strategic relationship with new fans and corporate partners alike. 

The reception in Macao underscored the impact of that work. Suns-branded events drew crowds of thousands, local celebrities engaged in team activations, and the franchise rolled out exclusive merchandise collaborations that blended basketball culture with local fashion and music. Suns players also served as ambassadors off the court, participating in youth clinics and meet-and-greets that emphasized the community-driven ethos the team hopes will resonate globally. 

A full slate of activities 

In Macao, the Suns executed a full slate of fan engagements and community initiatives designed to strengthen the team’s identity abroad and serve as a case study in how professional sports franchises can create international value. 

The trip featured events including a Special Olympics clinic led by Devin Booker, who ran drills with local athletes and surprised participants with pairs of his signature Book 1 sneakers.  At NBA House, more than 7,500 fans visited the “Suns Up” activation, enjoying gaming lounges, giveaways, autograph sessions, and meet-and-greets with players Jalen Green and Ryan Dunn. The team also hosted a four-day Suns Pop-Up in historic Macao, offering an NBA 2K lounge, jersey displays, exclusive merchandise created with Mitchell & Ness and Chinese rapper MaSiwei’s brand A Few Good Kids, and appearances from MaSiwei, designer Jeff Hamilton, Suns alumni Rex Chapman and Shawn Marion, and current Suns players Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. 

A win for Arizona’s sports economy 

The Suns’ international efforts align with Arizona’s broader economic strategy to strengthen its global reach, build international partnerships, and elevate the state’s visibility as a hub for sports, tourism, and business.  

For example, Sky Harbor International Airport will soon feature nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix on Starlux Airlines and China Airlines, adding to the airport’s international nonstop destinations in Europe, Canada, and Mexico.  

For corporate partners, the Macao games served as a rare platform to engage with international consumers, deepen brand exposure, and explore cross-border business relationships in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.