A multiyear collaboration starting in 2025 was announced by integrated resort operator Sands China and the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Friday at The Londoner Arena.
The Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns are the first teams set to play two preseason games at The Venetian Arena on October 10 and 12 next year at The Venetian Arena.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said in his speech on Friday that “the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns feature an exciting mix of established and rising stars who will showcase their talent for fans here and visitors from around the world. In addition to the games, we look forward to engaging with fans, aspiring players and the local community through a variety of interactive events, youth development programmes and social impact initiatives.”
Moreover, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont said: “Bringing NBA to Macau will bring the game closer to so many fans and supporters, whose passion for the league and its players has made the sport of basketball so popular around the world”.
Sands China Ltd. (SCL) President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum Kwan Lock added: “Our partnership with NBA is also a testament to our long-term commitment of making a positive impact in the destination where we operate. Through the community programmes of Sands Cares and NBA Cares, we are inspiring young athletes in the region, helping the next generation of basketball lovers along the path of reaching dreams of greatness”.
A joint Friday statement noted that an NBA Flagship Store is also slated to open at The Londoner Macao in Cotai prior to the games, while a raft of events, including an NBA Fan Day during the week of the games, is among those set to take place throughout the year.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum (5th from left), Las Vegas Sands (LVS) President and Chief Operating Officer and Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont (6th from left), and Sands China Ltd. (SCL) President and Chief Executive Officer Grant Chum Kwan Lock (third from left) pose with other guests during the event at The Londoner Arena on Friday. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
