Sands China Ltd. closed out a thrilling week that brought the NBA’s high-energy spectacle to Macao, blending elite athleticism with entertainment and community engagement. The vibrant program underscored basketball’s universal appeal, drawing fans from across Asia and beyond for an immersive experience unlike anything the city had seen before.
Over two nights at The Venetian Arena, the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns lit up the court during the NBA China Games 2025. The matchups featured standout talents including Cam Thomas, Michael Porter Jr., and rising star Nolan Traoré for the Nets, while the Suns’ roster boasted Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Grayson Allen. Both games went down to the wire, with the Suns claiming a 132–127 victory on Friday, followed by the Nets edging out a 111–109 win on Sunday. The action was complemented by dazzling performances, as Korean dance crew Team BEBE energized the crowd before tipoff and multi-instrumentalist Henry Lau took center stage during halftime with an electrifying set.
Beyond the hardwood, fans were treated to an array of interactive experiences. The first-ever NBA House in Macao opened its doors from October 8 to 12, transforming the city into a basketball festival celebrating sport, music, fashion, and technology. NBA legends Tim Hardaway Sr., Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion, Shaquille O’Neal, Mitch Richmond, and Deron Williams headlined the five-day showcase, which also featured viewing parties, basketball clinics, and meet-and-greets. Visitors captured countless photo-worthy moments with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, explored an NBA-themed tunnel and team-inspired installations, and browsed the Retail District’s 26 outlets offering exclusive merchandise and customization options.
Fan excitement reached new heights on October 11 during NBA Fan Day, where Shaquille O’Neal and players from both the Nets and Suns delivered spectacular on-court displays. Local celebrities including MC Jin and MIRROR’s Keung To, Edan Lui, and Stanley Yau kept the crowd on its feet with energetic performances that embodied the fusion of sport and entertainment.
Adding a playful touch to the week’s festivities, G Bear—The Londoner Macao’s beloved mascot and ambassador—teamed up with the NBA for a whimsical exhibition across The Venetian and The Londoner. Forty sculptures showcased his trademark charm, with 30 representing NBA teams, two giant inflatables dressed in Nets and Suns jerseys, and others capturing his stylish flair. Fans could also pick up limited-edition G Bear NBA merchandise at themed cafés in both venues.
Commemorating the occasion, Sands China unveiled Macao’s first NBA Flagship Store at The Londoner on October 11. Spanning more than 900 square meters, the venue offers an extensive collection of official NBA apparel, memorabilia, and collectibles, including Macao-exclusive designs inspired by the city’s architecture and culture. It also stands as the only NBA store in the Greater Bay Area providing jersey, apparel, and sneaker customization.
The week concluded with a thought-provoking fireside chat featuring Patrick Dumont, President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., global ambassador David Beckham, and Alibaba Group co-founder Joe Tsai, who explored the evolving role of sports ownership in building global communities.
Through this landmark celebration of basketball, Sands China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Macao’s “City of Sports” initiative and advancing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment.
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