Sands China and the NBA have outlined a five-day programme around the NBA China Games 2026, expanding the event beyond two preseason games at The Venetian Macao.
The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will meet at The Venetian Arena on October 9 and October 11. The games will feature players including Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
NBA Fan Day will take place at the same venue on October 10. The programme will include appearances by Mavericks and Rockets players, alongside a skills challenge, three-point contest, shooting competition and slam dunk show.
Sands China will also host an expanded NBA HOUSE at Halls A and B of Cotai Expo from October 7 to 11. The event will be open to the public free of charge from 11am to 10pm each day, although selected sessions will be invitation-only.
Former NBA players including Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Jeremy Lin, Stephon Marbury, Shawn Marion and Luis Scola are scheduled to appear. The programme will also feature team-themed areas, NBA trophy displays, interactive basketball activities and merchandise.
A food and beverage section covering more than 1,500 square meters will combine Macau and Texas-inspired offerings, while two viewing parties are planned during the five-day event.
The programme will extend into the local community through NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week. Five themed activities will focus on areas including youth engagement, schools, health and wellness and community basketball.
The event series forms part of Sands China's wider use of sports and entertainment events at its properties as the city continues efforts to broaden its tourism offering beyond gaming.
Sands China reaffirms its pledged non-gaming investments
At the same time, Sands China has reaffirmed its commitment to building a landmark conservatory and a 50,000-square-meter garden attraction in Macau, as pledged under its renewed gaming concession. The company also plans to upgrade its convention and exhibition facilities.
These projects aim to attract more international and high-spending visitors while supporting Macau's efforts to diversify beyond casino gambling.
Under its 10-year concession, which runs from 2023 through 2032, Sands China has committed to investing at least MOP35.84bn (US$4.45bn) in Macau, including MOP33.39bn in non-gaming projects.
The NBA China Games returned to Macau in 2025 following a six-year absence
