The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers are set to play two 2015-16 pre-season games in Shenzhen and Shanghai in October as part of the NBA Global Games China 2015. (Photo : Reuters)
Just over a decade after the NBA began to hold competitive games in the country, China is set to host a two-leg pre-season tie between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers as part of the NBA Global Games China 2015.
The games, which are scheduled to be held at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Shenzhen and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, on Oct. 11 and 14, respectively, will continue the NBA's tradition of hosting games in China in its pre-season schedule.
However, this is the first time that the NBA is hosting a game in Shenzhen. The city, which is one of the most important economic hubs in the Guangdong Province, also shares several ties with Hong Kong. Experts say this makes Shenzhen a strategic location for the NBA to stage a game.
The commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, has indicated in a statement that the games will not only bring basketball to Chinese fans, but also give the league another chance to experience the rich culture and history of the country.
"Basketball is more popular than ever, and Global Games China 2015 is part of our ongoing commitment to growing the game in the world's most populous nation," Silver said.
Basketball is one of the most popular games in China. According to the NBA, up to 300 million people play the game in the country. Experts agree that China is home to a majority of the league's international fans.
This upcoming encounter will be the Hornets' first competitive display in China, and the team's chairman, Michael Jordan, has expressed excitement about this.
"The Charlotte Hornets are excited to play NBA Global Games China and help to grow the NBA's brand internationally, while showcasing the strength of our franchise and team to millions of Chinese basketball fans," he said.
Meanwhile, the Clippers, who were in China to compete in 2012, have also expressed excitement about the upcoming game.
"Returning to China to participate in the NBA Global Games China is another important step in establishing the Clippers as a first class international franchise," team owner Steve Ballmer said. "We are looking forward to representing Los Angeles and the NBA as we bring our exciting brand of basketball to all our fans in China."
The NBA is expected to announce other international pre-season matchups for the 2015-16 season. The NBA has made it a point to use the pre-season tour to bring basketball to its international fans. During the past season, five games were played in four countries.
