Tensions Flare Between the NBA and China

CLAIRE RODARTE Staff Writer

Tensions are high between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and delegates from China. Controversy set in when Daryl Morey, General Manager of the Houston Rockets, tweeted support for Hong Kong. Although players and managers can have their own opinions, this caused damage for relations and future business deals. 

As China is trying to endure protests by Hong Kong residents, it may seem problematic to Chinese officials that the NBA is opposing them in a political affair not related to them. Companies in China halted the sale of NBA paraphernalia and stopped showing NBA games, as fans were hurt  after the league stood against China. 

NBA officials are attempting to resolve the issue. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James believed Morey was “misinformed” about the situation, and hurt a lot of people. He claimed “So many people could have been harmed, not only physically or financially, but emotionally or spiritually.” 

Many companies have gotten in trouble with China after expressing opinions on the matter, but the NBA has gotten the hardest blow. They could lose support if China’s leaders refuse to continue business with them. This could do damage to the NBA’s marketing, losing money from decreasing sales and broadcasting. They are in the process of severing ties with the remarks made.