The Dallas Mavericks will take the NBA’s global spotlight to Macao next fall, facing the Houston Rockets in a pair of preseason games as part of the NBA China Games 2026, the National Basketball Association and Sands China Ltd. announced Monday.
The Texas rivals will meet on Friday, Oct. 9, and Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Venetian Arena, continuing the league’s renewed push to bring marquee matchups — and full-scale fan programming — to audiences across Asia.
A Texas Matchup on an International Stage
The Mavericks and Rockets will represent the NBA in Macao after the league’s successful return to the region last season. The games are part of a broader preseason initiative designed to connect international fans with live NBA competition while showcasing emerging and established stars from both franchises.
The NBA China Games 2026 will be distributed globally, reaching fans in more than 200 countries and territories through television, digital platforms, and social media.
Dallas Mavericks’ Global Fan Base Drives Opportunity
For Dallas, the trip reflects a growing international presence. The Mavericks have one of the NBA’s largest fan bases outside the United States, with more than 10 million fans in China, a figure that continues to shape the organization’s global strategy.
“For the Mavericks, this is a meaningful opportunity to represent our organization and our fans on an international stage,” Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont said. “Following our recent game in Mexico City, playing in Macao reflects our club’s continued growth and the strong connection we’ve built with fans. The NBA China Games 2026 underscores the league’s ability to bring the highest level of basketball to audiences worldwide.”
NBA, Sands Emphasize Fan and Community Programming
In addition to the two preseason games, the NBA and Sands will host a weeklong lineup of interactive events, including NBA House, NBA Fan Day, youth basketball clinics, and a Community Impact Week led by NBA Cares and Sands Cares. The initiatives will focus on health, wellness, and sustainability, extending the league’s footprint beyond the court.
“The games in Macao earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia,” NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said. “We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macao and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community through the games and surrounding events.”
Sands China president and chief executive officer Grant Chum highlighted the scale of the week, calling it another opportunity to blend sports, entertainment, and community engagement across Macao.
Houston Rockets’ Longstanding Connection With China
From Houston’s perspective, the selection carries historical significance. The Rockets have maintained a deep connection with Chinese basketball fans since drafting Hall of Famer Yao Ming first overall in 2002 and have regularly participated in international NBA events.
“The Houston Rockets are an iconic brand with support around the globe, and we are honored to be selected alongside the Dallas Mavericks to bring a Texas-sized matchup to Macao,” Rockets alternate governor Patrick Fertitta said. “We are excited to have another opportunity to represent the NBA abroad and showcase our team in front of the fans in Macao next preseason.”
Marketing partners for the NBA China Games 2026 include Amazon Web Services, Gatorade, Nike, and Tissot. Information regarding ticket sales and schedules for fan, youth, and community events will be announced at a later date.
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