Mavericks, Rockets to head to Macao, China, for two preseason games next fall
Texas Showdown Goes Global: Mavericks and Rockets Set for Macao Preseason Series
The NBA’s strategic re-engagement with the Chinese market is set to accelerate next fall, as the league announced Monday that the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will travel to Macao for two preseason games. Scheduled for October 9 and 11, 2026, the matchups will take place at the Venetian Arena, marking the second consecutive year the NBA has brought live action to the region following a successful visit by the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets last October.
This announcement highlights the deepening ties between the NBA and Sands China Ltd., a partnership heavily influenced by Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont, who also serves as President and COO of Las Vegas Sands. For Dumont, bringing his team to a venue operated by his family’s corporation represents a synergy of business and basketball that the league is eager to leverage.
The choice of teams is particularly significant given the current landscape of the Western Conference. The Rockets, currently surging with a 21-11 record, boast a roster tailored for international stardom, featuring veteran superstar Kevin Durant alongside Turkish sensation Alperen Sengun. On the other side, the Mavericks will look to showcase their revamped core. Despite a slower 13-23 start to the 2025-26 campaign, Dallas remains a massive draw, anchored by the star power of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and highly touted rookie Cooper Flagg.
Beyond the on-court talent, the return of the Rockets to Chinese soil carries historical weight. As the former home of Hall of Famer Yao Ming, Houston has historically been China’s most popular NBA franchise. These games signal a definitive end to the icy relations that began in 2019, with the league fully committed to its five-year plan to host preseason contests in Macao.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum emphasized that the enthusiasm seen during the previous year's games paved the way for this Texas-sized reunion. With high-profile rosters and deep corporate connections driving the event, the NBA China Games 2026 are poised to be a critical commercial and cultural touchpoint for the league’s global expansion.
The NBA’s strategic re-engagement with the Chinese market is set to accelerate next fall, as the league announced Monday that the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will travel to Macao for two preseason games. Scheduled for October 9 and 11, 2026, the matchups will take place at the Venetian Arena, marking the second consecutive year the NBA has brought live action to the region following a successful visit by the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets last October.
This announcement highlights the deepening ties between the NBA and Sands China Ltd., a partnership heavily influenced by Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont, who also serves as President and COO of Las Vegas Sands. For Dumont, bringing his team to a venue operated by his family’s corporation represents a synergy of business and basketball that the league is eager to leverage.
The choice of teams is particularly significant given the current landscape of the Western Conference. The Rockets, currently surging with a 21-11 record, boast a roster tailored for international stardom, featuring veteran superstar Kevin Durant alongside Turkish sensation Alperen Sengun. On the other side, the Mavericks will look to showcase their revamped core. Despite a slower 13-23 start to the 2025-26 campaign, Dallas remains a massive draw, anchored by the star power of Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and highly touted rookie Cooper Flagg.
Beyond the on-court talent, the return of the Rockets to Chinese soil carries historical weight. As the former home of Hall of Famer Yao Ming, Houston has historically been China’s most popular NBA franchise. These games signal a definitive end to the icy relations that began in 2019, with the league fully committed to its five-year plan to host preseason contests in Macao.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum emphasized that the enthusiasm seen during the previous year's games paved the way for this Texas-sized reunion. With high-profile rosters and deep corporate connections driving the event, the NBA China Games 2026 are poised to be a critical commercial and cultural touchpoint for the league’s global expansion.
