NBA returns to China's CCTV for 1st time since preseason controversy
China's CCTV announced it will carry Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the first live matchup carried by the broadcaster since the preseason controversy sparked by a tweet from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
CCTV cited the NBA's recent support in the country, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, for its change of heart.
"During the recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the NBA sent their well wishes to fans in China," CCTV said in a statement, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "We also took note of the league has been continuously delivering goodwill (to China), particularly making positive contributions to Chinese people's fight against COVID-19 pandemic."
On Oct. 4, 2019, Morey posted an image expressing his support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous, special administrative region. The tweet angered the NBA's partners in mainland China, many of whom subsequently cut business relationships with the league.
Of course, Morey's Rockets have increased significance in China, owing to the team's association with former franchise star Yao Ming, a Chinese sports hero, a Naismith Hall of Famer, and the current chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.