Hong Kong lost out to Macau in NBA deal over poorer finances, infrastructure, sources say
Sources tell Post why Macau was considered a better option than Hong Kong for five-year agreement, even if Kai Tak Arena had been available
Hong Kong has missed out on hosting NBA matches because of inadequate facilities, sources told the Post, after the league announced a five-year multi-million dollar deal to stage multiple games in Macau starting next year.
The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play on October 10 and 12, with two more games reportedly in the works for 2026.
And in a blow to Hong Kong’s hopes of hosting top-level events, sources said while the city had been on the NBA’s radar for more than a decade, Macau’s better venues allowed it to outmuscle its neighbour.
On Saturday, the casino hub’s 14,000-seat Venetian Arena will host six former NBA players – including Finals winners Ray Allen and Tony Parker, Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, former All-Stars Stephon Marbury and DeMarcus Cousins, as well as former Houston Rocket guard Cuttino Mobley – in an NBA Legends Celebrity Game presented by Sands China.
Mobley and Parker will then make their way to Hong Kong’s Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, with its 970 seats, for a Fan Fest event on Sunday morning.
“The lack of [suitable] venues has long been an issue for us; the NBA did not want the Coliseum in Hung Hom for sure,” sources with knowledge of the development said.
