Now, Sands China Elevates Macao’s Sports Tourism with Unforgettable NBA China Games 2025 Featuring Star-Studded NBA Action and Immersive Fan Experiences

Published on October 15, 2025

Macao, the vibrant, bustling metropolis known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, recently hosted one of the most exciting and culturally rich sporting events of 2025: the NBA China Games 2025. Sands China Ltd. orchestrated a week of thrilling basketball activities, establishing the city as a global sports-entertainment destination. This prestigious event, held at The Venetian Arena, attracted thousands of international and regional fans, offering an unforgettable experience that combined elite sporting action with world-class entertainment and immersive fan experiences.

The NBA China Games 2025 featured electrifying on-court battles between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns, alongside a diverse range of fan-centric events, performances, and exhibitions. It was a week that not only highlighted the passion for basketball but also showcased Macao’s growing importance as a tourism hotspot in Asia, solidifying its place in the global sports calendar. With a lineup that included NBA legends, interactive events, and unique merchandise, the week left a lasting impact on both visitors and locals alike. Sands China’s dedication to providing unparalleled sports and entertainment offerings was on full display, reaffirming its commitment to making Macao a destination for both sports fans and tourists from around the world.

NBA China Games 2025: A Week of Unforgettable Action and Entertainment in Macao

The NBA China Games 2025 in Macao took place over two spectacular evenings, offering sports fans an unmatched experience. Held at the state-of-the-art The Venetian Arena on October 10th and October 12th, the event featured the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, two of the NBA’s most popular and talented teams. These teams brought their best players to the court, ensuring the games were filled with heart-pounding moments and fierce competition.

Highlights of the NBA China Games 2025:

• Electrifying Matches: The first game, held on October 10th, saw the Phoenix Suns emerge victorious with a close score of 132-127. On October 12th, the Brooklyn Nets clinched a narrow win with a final score of 111-109. These intense, action-packed games kept fans on the edge of their seats.
• Star Players on Display: The games featured NBA stars such as Devin Booker, Michael Porter Jr., and Shaquille O’Neal, bringing star power and electrifying energy to the arena.
• Pre-Game & Half-Time Entertainment: Entertainment was not limited to the court. Team BEBE, a popular Korean dance crew, performed before the game, while Henry Lau, the renowned singer-songwriter, captivated audiences during the half-time show.

Immersive Fan Experiences and the Opening of Macao’s First NBA Flagship Store

The excitement extended beyond the basketball games themselves. Sands China curated a series of fan-centric experiences, creating a truly immersive atmosphere for everyone in attendance. A major highlight of the NBA China Games was the opening of Macao’s first NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner Macao on October 11, 2025. The expansive store, which spans more than 900 sqm, offered a vast array of official NBA merchandise and memorabilia, from jerseys and apparel to sneakers and sporting goods.

• NBA Flagship Store Features:
  • Customisation services for NBA jerseys, apparel, and sneakers.
  • Exclusive NBA products inspired by Macao’s unique cityscape and cultural motifs.
  • A wide selection of memorabilia, including trading cards, toys, and collectibles.

Fans could also take home a piece of NBA history with a range of exclusive products and experience the only NBA store in the Greater Bay Area offering such a personal touch.

NBA House: A Fan-Focused Interactive Event

From October 8-12, 2025, Macao became home to NBA House, an immersive fan experience designed to celebrate the fusion of basketball, fashion, music, and technology. Held at The Venetian Macao, this interactive event featured exciting activities for basketball enthusiasts of all ages.

• NBA Legends in Attendance: Legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Hardaway, and Stephon Marbury headlined the event, engaging with fans, signing autographs, and sharing stories from their illustrious careers.
• Fan-Favorite Activities: Visitors had the chance to participate in basketball clinics, view NBA games, meet dance teams, and enjoy performances by MC Jin and members of the popular boy band MIRROR.
• Social Media Engagement: NBA House also created numerous opportunities for fans to capture and share priceless social media moments. Photo ops included iconic setups like the Larry O’Brien Trophy and NBA-themed infinity rooms featuring Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns memorabilia.

G Bear: A Whimsical Touch to NBA Week

One of the most endearing highlights of the week was the appearance of G Bear, The Londoner Macao’s No.1 Ambassador and Chief Experience Officer. G Bear charmed fans with a collection of 40 statues displayed throughout The Venetian Macao and The Londoner Macao. These installations, on display until October 31, 2025, showcased G Bear’s signature warmth and style, with various statues reflecting his love for the NBA.

• G Bear’s Statues: The 40 statues depicted G Bear wearing jerseys of all NBA teams, including large-scale inflatables in Nets and Suns colors.
• Exclusive Merchandise: Fans could purchase NBA-themed G Bear merchandise from G Bear Café at The Londoner Macao, or at a special pop-up shop inside NBA House.

NBA Fan Day: A Celebration of Basketball Culture

On October 11, 2025, NBA Fan Day attracted large crowds to celebrate the culture of basketball. NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal joined the festivities, bringing star power and his own brand of excitement to the day’s events. Fans witnessed incredible performances by Nets and Suns players, as well as breathtaking routines from the team’s cheerleaders and dance squads.

• Live Performances: The day featured performances from MC Jin and members of the popular boy band MIRROR, creating an unforgettable atmosphere filled with music, basketball, and energy.
• Interactive Activities: Fans participated in various basketball drills and social media activations, including live social media contests and giveaways of NBA-related prizes.

A Global Sports Destination

Through these events, Sands China further solidified Macao’s reputation as a top-tier sports destination. From the NBA games to NBA House, and from G Bear’s statues to the opening of the NBA Flagship Store, each activity was designed to create a lasting impression on visitors and locals alike. This grand celebration of basketball culture in Macao is an example of how sports can unite people from across the globe and transform a city into a hub of entertainment, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: Macao’s Role in Global Sports Tourism

The NBA China Games 2025 showcased Macao as an exceptional venue for international sports events. Sands China’s thoughtful curation of activities and their focus on fan engagement ensured the success of the event, drawing attention to Macao’s thriving tourism sector. The city’s unique mix of sports, culture, and entertainment has positioned it as a must-visit destination for sports fans and travelers from around the world.

With future events on the horizon, Macao is sure to remain a focal point in the global sports tourism industry, further enhancing its reputation as a world-class destination.