Get ready for a game-changer: the WNBA might be heading to China sooner than you think, and it’s a move that could reshape the global sports landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the NBA has already solidified its presence in China, the WNBA’s entry into this massive market is uncharted territory, and not everyone agrees on how it should unfold. Let’s dive in.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has never hosted an official game in Asia, but that could change “very soon,” according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. This comes on the heels of the WNBA’s first-ever regular-season game outside the U.S., held in Canada earlier this year, and preseason games in Mexico and the UK. Now, China—a country where basketball fever runs high and the NBA boasts its second-largest market—is in the spotlight.
And this is the part most people miss: Silver’s optimism isn’t just about expanding the WNBA’s reach; it’s tied to the league’s ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with players. “Once we finalize the CBA, there’s so much interest in women’s basketball here that we’d love to bring a WNBA game to Macao or mainland China,” Silver told CNBC. But here’s the catch: those negotiations have been rocky, with players demanding higher salaries and a bigger slice of league revenue. The threat of a strike looms, and the WNBA has even had to deny rumors of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stepping down once a deal is reached.
The timing is intriguing, especially as the NBA doubles down on its commitment to China through a new multi-year partnership with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). This isn’t just about games—it’s about elevating basketball across the country. Chinese national teams, both men’s and women’s, will train and compete in the U.S., including participating in the NBA Summer League and preseason WNBA games. Here’s the bold part: Chinese prospects will also gain access to the NBA’s elite development programs, potentially leading to trials with NBA and WNBA teams. But does this partnership prioritize China’s growth over the WNBA players’ current struggles? It’s a question worth debating.
Silver’s vision is clear: “This collaboration is about strengthening basketball in China at all levels and developing the next generation of NBA and WNBA players from China.” Yet, the WNBA’s journey to China isn’t without hurdles. The league’s return to China follows a six-year hiatus sparked by a 2019 controversy when then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s tweets supporting Hong Kong protestors led to a massive backlash, including Chinese broadcaster CCTV pulling NBA broadcasts. The fallout cost the NBA “hundreds of millions of dollars,” according to Silver. Will the WNBA face similar challenges, or will it navigate this complex landscape more smoothly?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As the WNBA eyes China, should the league prioritize its players’ demands at home or seize this global opportunity? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just heating up. And if you want to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of sports, consider a SportsPro+ Premium membership for exclusive insights and unparalleled business intelligence. The future of basketball is being written, and you won’t want to miss it.
