NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says 'we'd love to bring a WNBA game' to China

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced in an exclusive interview with CNBC in Macao that the WNBA could potentially hold games in China, including Macao or mainland China, following the completion of a new collective bargaining agreement with players. He highlighted the significant interest in women's basketball in the region as a key factor driving this possibility.

The interview took place during the NBA's return to China after a six-year hiatus, with the league actively working to expand its presence in its second-largest market. According to league data, approximately 425 million Chinese followers engage with NBA-related content on social media, underscoring the market's importance.

Silver emphasized the league's focus on talent development in China, announcing a new partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association aimed at supporting the growth of elite Chinese players, coaches, and referees. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the sport at the grassroots level and increase overall engagement.

He noted that having Chinese players in the NBA and WNBA significantly boosts interest, citing that 16 Chinese players have already participated in these leagues. Silver stressed the importance of further developing the game, particularly among youth, to elevate the sport's profile and fan base in China.