Quite the hoop-la: Macao revels in NBA's China return

On top of the league's renewal of all business connections with the Chinese market, Silver stressed that elevating the game's profile in China, particularly in terms of talent development, is high on his agenda.

"I think much of the discussions with the CBA and Mr Guo will be based on what it is we need to do to develop top-tier players who can both achieve success for the (Chinese) national teams and potentially play in the NBA or WNBA," Silver told China Daily during an interview in Macao.

"We agreed with the CBA that there is no higher priority than working together to develop these young players. If these players were coming into the NBA, playing (against) top-notch competition, no doubt it will inspire other young players to achieve that as well."

Guo, who took over from Yao last year to become the new CBA chief, said the helping hand from the NBA is always welcome.

"The Chinese Basketball Association remains committed to an open approach and continuously deepening international exchanges," Guo said. "We aim to leverage this collaboration as an opportunity to actively learn from the NBA's proven expertise in talent development and game operations."

As a proof of the extensive exchange between the two leagues, 30 players with NBA experience played in China during the 2024-25 CBA season, while a record 26 current and former WNBA stars played in the 2024-25 WCBA season, including 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty).

The Chinese men's national team made its NBA Summer League debut in 2007 to prepare for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and most recently played in the 2024 California Classic Summer League in Sacramento. The women's squad has also played in six WNBA preseason games as early as in 2019, as part of warm-ups for major international events.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn