Try GOLD - Free
Essay That Hints at NBA's China Revival
The Straits Times
|September 10, 2025
LeBron James has become the first National Basketball Association (NBA) player to author a piece in China's state-run People's Daily newspaper, an unusual move suggesting the top-flight American basketball league's long row with Beijing could be ending.
-
BEIJING — LeBron James has become the first National Basketball Association (NBA) player to author a piece in China's state-run People's Daily newspaper, an unusual move suggesting the top-flight American basketball league's long row with Beijing could be ending.
The NBA enjoyed decades of fast growth in China, where some 300 million play the game, ballooning into a business worth more than US$4 billion (S$5.13 billion).
The league was one of the most popular US cultural exports to the country until 2019, when Daryl Morey, then general manager of the Houston Rockets team, sent a tweet in support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
This story is from the September 10, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Singapore can tackle deeper forms of stigma through empowerment
In recent years, Singapore has made important strides in addressing mental health stigma.
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Bonfire of the middle managers
Why firms are 'delayering'.
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Insurance A balanced picture of ILPs and financial advisers needed
Recent articles have drawn attention to investment-linked insurance plans (ILPs).
1 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
New bus services by end-2025 for areas farther away from city
Residents in areas like Bt Panjang, Punggol and Tengah can get to MRT stations faster
4 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Community health posts to be enhanced to bring services closer to residents
Community health posts will offer enhanced services from 2026, starting with those in the north of Singapore where there is a higher prevalence of chronic illness, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
2 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Should S'pore compel insurers to report ransomware incidents?
Move would help to increase visibility and understanding of full scale of cyber threats
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Diane Keaton charmed with kooky roles such as Annie Hall
Diane Keaton, the quirky American actress who won an Academy Award and captured hearts with her endearing performance as American director-actor Woody Allen’s eccentric, insecure girlfriend in the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, has died at the age of 79, People reported on Oct Il, citing a family spokesperson.
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Welcomed reunion on a stunning stage
Twice's Jeongyeon, whose appearance had been uncertain, took the stage with her fellow members at the Singapore Indoor Stadium
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Pews to power: Churches fight to keep grip on Korean politics
After a series of scandals, South Korea is seeing a backlash against the influence some churches have had on politicians.
6 mins
October 13, 2025
The Straits Times
Curved lines, cosy vibes
Grovve and the revamped Chat are among the venues whose designs aim to better support young people in a range of often-invisible needs
4 mins
October 13, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size