The NBA–China Tension: What’s at Stake?

Abstract

In October 2019, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, leading China to suspend contracts with the Rockets and to cancel the airing of two preseason NBA games that were played in the country. Basketball superstar LeBron James later criticized Morey’s tweets, and the NBA said it was “extremely disappointed” in Morey’s comments, inciting pro-Hong Kong demonstrations in and around NBA arenas. This case examines the controversy in the context of the NBA’s growing market, China.

This case was prepared for inclusion in SAGE Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2023 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

You are not authorized to view Teaching Notes. Please contact your librarian for access or sign in to your existing instructor profile.
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles