NBA 'first class' in China despite past conflicts, Yao Ming says

Former Chinese basketball Star Yao Ming states that NBA is the first class despite the conflicts.

As far as the NBA, its relation with China dates back a number of years, some of them being bitter.

The partnership has had some tension due to the political problems involving some NBA executives and athletes in the recent past years.

At the same time, Yao Ming the current CBA's president and an ex-NBA All-Star, states that the NBA is currently called first-class in china.

Yao recently told Reuters: “I have to say, the NBA is in the 1st class… (due to) the players having been exposed to China's environment for decades.”< There are still a lot of welcomes for the players and team.

These sentiments occur while the basketball players are seeking to revive their association with China.

A few days ago, China blocked broadcasts of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 2019 for more than one year because then Houston Rockets' general manager Daryl Moray supported democratic movement in Hong Kong on his Twitter account.

In this regard, the NBA has done much to remedy the damaged relationship with China.

The league has set up an office in Beijing and employed some Chinese officers.

Yao Ming's words suggest that China is starting to like the NBA again.

Yao commands so much respect in China where he approves the NBA and his endorsement provides a great deal of help to the event.

However, the history has not taken away its popularity and interest among Chinese fans still remain.

Though issues emerged recently, the world still views NBA positively; this is particularly true in China.

This league has millions of very passionate fans in one country.

In part, that popularity is due to Yao Ming who introduced the game to the young Chinese fan base.

Yao was the most recognizable man on earth while playing for the NBA team which made the NBA more popular among the Chinese.

Marketing is the third reason why the league became popular in China.

The amount of money that the NBA devoted to its promotion in China highlights this fact.

They are still very much alive on Chinese social media and have teamed up with a number of Chinese companies.

NBA has been doing everything possible to allow its audience from China watch at the matches.

The service also streams games for the Chinese league and others.

NBC is back again to resume airing matches within China.

The NBA's future in China

As a result, the future of NBA in China remains unsure.

Another political matter will likely cause a break in their fragile relationship with China.�

However, NBA is still determined to stay in Chine.

China is also a major league market and will be in future expansion.

The NBA also holds the view that its ties with China will further improve as time elapses.

The league believes that sooner or later, the Chinese government will realize that the NBA is a valuable asset with which it can aid in improving China's global image.

How can the NBA better its relationship with China?

NBA can take a number of measures in this regard so as to improve relations with China.

First, the league should be more responsive to some aspects of Chinese polity.

The NBA must avoid issuing any kind of public remarks that may portray them criticizing or blaming the Chinese administration.

Besides, NBA ought to make sure that it keeps advertising in China all the time.

Given that point, the league should put emphasis on nurturing and developing more Chinese players and coaches.

Similarly, the NBA should partner with Chinese companies and promote the broadcast of NBA games on Chinese social networking sites and Internet websites.

Lastly, the NBA should also make sure that the game can be watched by the Chinese fans.

In essence, the league could continue broadcasting games in China as well as offer streamings among others.

NBA should, therefore, make ticket prices affordable to the Chinese fans.

If at all the NBA expects to sustain growth in China as a business venture, and to keep its strong relations to the Chinese state, then it is imperative to adopt the following steps.

The NBA maintains a presence, in China despite conflicts.

Yao Mings comments indicate that the NBAs efforts to rebuild its relationship with China are yielding results.

While the future of the NBA in China remains uncertain the league remains committed to having a presence in the country.

China is viewed as a market and an opportunity for growth by the NBA.

Improving its relationship with China can be achieved by showing sensitivity towards political concerns investing in marketing initiatives specifically tailored for Chinese audiences and ensuring that NBA games are more accessible, to Chinese fans.