MACAO — The Phoenix Suns arrived in China ahead of their highly anticipated NBA preseason series against the Brooklyn Nets, marking a continued commitment by the league to expand the game globally.
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Oct 3, 2025; Palm Desert, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Nigel Hayes (21) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the first half at Acrisure Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Suns landed in Macao on Tuesday, marking Phoenix’s first international visit since the NBA resumed its global games schedule following the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phoenix last played outside the United States in 2019, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in a regular-season game in Mexico City.
The series in China extends beyond preparations for the upcoming regular season, but also serves as an opportunity to grow the game. Fans who might not be able to catch a game, due to timezone differences or travel, can comfortably watch the series. It allows fans an opportunity to watch stars like Devin Booker and Cam Thomas.
📍 Macao, China pic.twitter.com/C5EObHFxyu
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 7, 2025
Jul 12, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chinese National Team guard Fang Shuo (5) dribbles around Phoenix Suns forward Elie Okobo (2) during the second half of an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA is the most popular sports league in China, with millions tuning in to watch games and follow players on social media. Even outside of China, fans on the Eastern side of the world have shown their excitement for the games.
As a lifelong Suns fan from Singapore, its so close to where I am. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it 😕. Send my love and support to the team ❤️ Go Suns. Always.
— SunsSG (@ov_robin) October 7, 2025
The NBA’s push to expand internationally as teams look beyond the United States to give fans around the world more opportunities to watch games. For Phoenix, the trip to China serves as a cultural extension for the game and a preview of what the team hopes will be a standout season following an offseason of rebuilding.
After trading Kevin Durant and letting Bradley Beal go in the offseason, the team has needed to surround Booker with great players to help lead the team through a quick rebuild. With the addition of new head coach Jordan Ott, these preseason games will show whether the quick rebuild worked or if the team needs more time to adjust.
Jul 12, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Xavier Cooks (18) and forward Dakarai Tucker (4) block out Chinese National Team forward Hu Jinqiu (21) during the second half of an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets play their first game of the series on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 a.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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