What happens next between the NBA and China
MONEY talks, and it can speak much louder than dissent.
This is the guiding reality in the recent tension between the NBA and China. It started with a tweet, and now it has escalated into a skirmish between a multi-billion dollar sports organization and the government of the world’s most populous country.
The Hong Kong protestors could not have dreamed of a better scenario for their cause. Whether we like it or not, the NBA, and even capitalism itself is now on trial.
China will not be on trial, because they are perfectly consistent with what they have always been in the past half-century. The One-China policy is the guiding principle and they will take all possible measures, political and economic, to ensure that anyone who has the intention of establishing relations with them adheres to this policy.
That includes the NBA, and the American constitutional right to free expression—one of the most “American” ideals—has been repeatedly violated in favor of business interests.
Business above all
The NBA, after all, is a business.
Even the players—they are no longer just employees, they are moguls, establishing their own selves as a brand. Michael Jordan was the catalyst for this, and he has earned over a billion dollars AFTER his retirement from basketball.
Considering the many tragic stories of riches to rags athletes who were not able to manage their wealth, it is totally commendable for today’s NBA players to try and emulate Jordan in this aspect. Just like in the 90s, everyone wants to be like Mike (just don’t let him play GM).
Incidents like the refusal to answer the question of the CNN reporter in the Houston Rockets’ press conference, to the removal of fans in Philadelphia who held out “Free Hong Kong” placards during a pre-season invitational between the Sixers and the Guangzhoo Loong Lions show that the NBA, despite its statement to uphold free expression, will not have the guts to actually implement it.
In the end, a constitutional right will have to step aside in favor of capitalist interest. This is the difference between a totalitarian government and an international business. Money speaks volumes more than principle for the latter.
China’s chess move
It was rather surprising that the exhibition games between the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets pushed through, when most thought that it would be cancelled.
Instead China let the games push on, but not without a scare. Not without making sure that all the sponsors and domestic media coverage are gone. This is a masterful chess move from their camp.
their position as a bully. But by letting the games continue without the media mileage and sponsorships, they showed the NBA what their life would be like without the China. They do not hold any political clout against the NBA, and America—but they can hold back their business, and that may even be a more painful hit.
It’s a stern warning, a stark representation of the implications if the NBA makes a “wrong” decision in their view. The NBA did not bother with their players lashing out against Trump because it is not a political organization. But they would cower in fear if their Chinese revenue, a huge chunk of their international take which they have patiently invested in for decades, would be taken away just so they can act “patriotic.”
The American fans will continue to watch the NBA, the American networks will broadcast the games even if the last three championship teams have snubbed the traditional White House courtesy calls.
The Chinese media networks have totally shunned the NBA, even the shoe companies have halted contract renewal talks with their NBA endorsers, foremost of which is Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors who is currently signed with Anta.
Most Chinese fans have also supported their entertainment in support of their government policy. Whether this is their own volition or not, that doesn’t matter in China.
The bottom line for China is allegiance— and for the NBA, it’s revenue.