NBA China and Shanghai Jiushi Sign Landmark Deal to Develop Players and Coaches
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
NBA China and Shanghai Jiushi announced a groundbreaking partnership on Sunday to develop the reigning CBA champions' players, coaches and front office staff. The agreement, revealed during Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets pre-season friendlies in Macau, marks the first collaboration of its kind between the NBA and a Chinese club. It covers four key areas: elite player development, competition opportunities, coach training and executive development.
Key Points
- The deal gives Shanghai Jiushi players access to international basketball development programmes and NBA events across China and Asia
- Troy Justice, NBA senior vice-president for international basketball operations, said the partnership reflects the league's long-standing commitment to Chinese basketball development
- Shanghai Jiushi chairman Wang Zhenwei said the collaboration marks an important step in expanding the club's international development initiatives
- The agreement follows a multi-year partnership between NBA China and the CBA announced at last year's games at The Venetian Arena between Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns
- Shanghai Jiushi youth players have already undergone training programmes in the United States
Why It Matters
The partnership signals the NBA's deepening investment in Chinese basketball infrastructure beyond broadcasting and fan engagement, potentially creating pathways for Chinese talent to reach the world's top leagues while strengthening the commercial and sporting ties between the NBA and CBA .
The partnership signals the NBA's deepening investment in Chinese basketball infrastructure beyond broadcasting and fan engagement, potentially creating pathways for Chinese talent to reach the world's top leagues while strengthening the commercial and sporting ties between the NBA and CBA .