Mavericks will face Rockets in 2026 NBA China Games in Macao

It’s officially official: The Mavericks and Houston will play two preseason games in Macao in October as part of the NBA China Games 2026.

A rumor that was unofficially blurted last October by Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont became reality with Monday’s joint announcement by the NBA and Sands China Ltd.

The Mavericks and Rockets will face off on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11 in The Venetian Arena in Macao, as part of a three-day weekend that will include interactive fan events, youth basketball clinics and Community Impact initiatives co-hosted by NBA Cares and Sands Cares.

It also will be a global-stage melding of Dumont’s dual roles, as COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. and, since December of 2023, governor of the Mavericks.

Mavericks

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (left) acknowledges Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont...

Earlier this season, on Nov. 1, the Mavericks lost to Detroit in a regular-season game in Mexico City, marking Dallas’ NBA-record eighth appearance in that city dating to the early 1990s.

“For the Mavericks, this is a meaningful opportunity to represent our organization and our fans on an international stage,” Dumont stated in Monday’s news release. “Following our recent game in Mexico City, playing in Macao reflects our club’s continued growth and the strong connection we’ve built with fans.

“The NBA China Games 2026 underscores the league’s ability to bring the highest level of basketball to audiences worldwide. We are grateful to the NBA and the Houston Rockets for their partnership in making these games possible.”

The Rockets’ inclusion carries extra significance. Last October’s two Phoenix-Brooklyn preseason games in Macao marked the end of a six-year cold war between the NBA and China, following then-Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s 2019 tweet in support of Hong Kong protestors against China.

The resumption of NBA-China relations in part was brokered by Dumont, whose Sands Corp. owns and operates five casino-resorts on Macao’s Cotai Strip and on the Macao peninsula – in addition to the 2007-constructed Venetian Arena.

The NBA estimates that the Mavericks have 10 million fans in China. The Mavericks played two preseason games in China against Philadelphia in October 2018, in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

During one of last October’s NBA China Games, Dumont was seated next to former Rocket and Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming. Afterward, Dumont told the South China Morning Post: “Yes, the [Dallas] Mavericks and the [Houston] Rockets, here in Macau next year. Are you ready?”

In recent weeks, Mavericks employees have made multiple trips to Macao to finalize details for the NBA China Games 2026.

The games will be shown in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital media and social media. Corporate partners supporting the games and surrounding events include Amazon Web Services, Gatorade, Nike and Tissot.

Information regarding ticket sales and specifics about fan and community events will be announced later.

“The games in Macao earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia,” NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. “We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macao and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community through the games and surrounding events.”

Sands China Ltd is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao and on its Cotai Strip.

“Riding on the outstanding success of the NBA China Games 2025 last October, I am excited about the program we are planning for the NBA China Games 2026, showcasing the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets,” Sands China president and CEO Grant Chum said.

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving makes generous purchase of LaRussell’s album for $11,000