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NBA nets deal to open ‘experience centres’ in China with Harves, extends Migu partnership

  • League follows Manchester United with ‘NBA DreamCourts Preview Centres’ with Chinese real estate firm Harves
  • Deal with China Mobile and its streaming arm Migu also extended despite ongoing issues keeping games off screens

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The Brookyln Nets and Los Angeles Lakers play near a Chinese national flag during a preseason NBA game at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, in October, 2019. Photo: AP
Despite a number of issues, including the controversy surrounding Boston Celtics centre Enes Kanter’s protests against the government of Xi Jinping, it is business as usual for the NBA in China, with the US-based league announcing two new deals this week.
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The NBA announced its partnership with Chinese real estate firm Harves to create an “experience centre” for the league and engage with fans in the country.

Harves previously partnered with English Premier League giants Manchester United to create experience centres, with the first opening in Beijing last year.

The NBA announced that the first of their “NBA DreamCourts Preview Centres” – which will feature dining and retail outlets, plus interactive games – is set to open in Suzhou next May.

People walk past the National Basketball Association (NBA) store in Beijing on October 9, 2019, amid the fallout from Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s tweet. Photo: AFP
People walk past the National Basketball Association (NBA) store in Beijing on October 9, 2019, amid the fallout from Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s tweet. Photo: AFP
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It is reported that Suzhou will be the first of six such centres, with the deal announced at the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where the NBA is once again exhibiting.

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