The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are set to headline the 2026 NBA Global Games in Macau, marking the league’s continued expansion into international markets following its successful return to China this year.
Patrick Dumont — governor of the Mavericks and president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. — confirmed to the South China Morning Post that the Texas rivals will meet for a two-game preseason series at The Venetian Arena in Macau next year. It will be a chance for the Mavericks to showcase Cooper Flagg on the global stage with veteran stars like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson.
“Yes, the [Dallas] Mavericks and the [Houston] Rockets, here in Macau next year. Are you ready?” Dumont said.
The announcement follows the 2025 NBA China Games, which featured the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns in Macao’s Venetian Arena on Oct. 10 and 12, marking the NBA’s first games in China since 2019. The event drew more than 22,600 fans across two sold-out games and featured appearances from Yao Ming, Vince Carter, David Beckham, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Patrick Dumont Highlights Macau’s Expanding Role in Global Sports
During the NBA China Games, Dumont made several notable comments underscoring both the significance of the NBA’s return and Macau’s growing importance as a hub for global entertainment and sports. He pointed to the atmosphere surrounding the event as a clear reflection of the region’s enthusiasm for major competitions.
“You look at the fans who are here for these games, the reactions in the arena and around the city—it shows how much demand exists not just for basketball but for world-class sports,” Dumont said.
He emphasized that Las Vegas Sands’ investment in Macau extends well beyond hosting a single event, signaling the company’s belief in the city’s long-term potential as a global sports and entertainment capital.
“We’re investing in Macao for the long term,” Dumont told CNBC, adding that his company has already invested $17 billion over the past 21 years to support the city’s infrastructure and hospitality growth.
Dumont also reflected on how the return of the NBA to China has energized the local community and reignited excitement among basketball fans throughout the region.
“The excitement is palpable. You can sense it as you walk down the street. The NBA is everywhere, and people cheer when they see the players. It’s truly remarkable,” Dumont said.
Beyond the games themselves, Dumont highlighted the week-long slate of activities and fan events as a core part of the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.
“We’ve created numerous fan experiences here, and our aim is to create something extraordinary where NBA fans in Asia and China can truly experience what the NBA has to offer,” Dumont told CNBC.
He also noted that the NBA’s growing presence has further reinforced Macau’s identity as a global destination for entertainment and culture, not just gaming and tourism.
“I think it’s great for Macao, because it highlights really how great an entertainment city Macao truly is,” Dumont said.
NBA Returns to China
The 2025 series represented a major milestone for the league, signaling a renewed partnership with Chinese audiences after a six-year absence.
The Suns and Nets split the series, with Phoenix winning 132–127 in overtime in the opener and Brooklyn edging out a 111–109 victory in the finale. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 16 points in the second matchup, while Devin Booker paced the Suns with 18.
Beyond the games, the league hosted NBA Fan Day and NBA House from October 8–12, giving fans access to interactive experiences and appearances from NBA legends.
The 2026 edition of the NBA China Games will feature the Mavericks and Rockets in a Texas showdown on international soil, continuing the NBA’s effort to bring preseason action to global markets.
Commissioner Adam Silver said the league plans to stage eight more China Games over the next four years as part of an expanded international slate.
Dumont, who oversees global operations for Las Vegas Sands and serves as governor of the Mavericks, played a central role in organizing this year’s return to China. Sands China Ltd., a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, owns and operates The Venetian Arena — the newly renovated venue that hosted the 2025 series.
Patrick Dumont’s Dual Role Expands Global Reach
Dumont took over leadership of Las Vegas Sands in 2021 following the passing of company founder Sheldon Adelson. The Adelson-Dumont family purchased a controlling interest in the Mavericks in 2023, and Dumont has since guided the team’s international initiatives, including its participation in the China Games.
The Venetian Arena now features seating for up to 14,000 fans, upgraded locker rooms, and NBA-ready facilities, aligning with Macau’s growing emphasis on sports tourism. Dumont has championed bringing marquee events to the region, including the NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week.
With the Mavericks and Rockets slated to take the global stage in 2026, the NBA’s footprint in Asia continues to expand — bridging sports, entertainment, and international outreach through partnerships between the league, teams, and global venues like The Venetian.
Dallas Mavericks’ Continued Role in NBA Global Games
The Mavericks’ upcoming trip to Macau adds another chapter to the franchise’s growing international presence. Dallas has been one of the NBA’s most active participants in global events in recent years, reflecting both the team’s appeal and the league’s commitment to expanding its worldwide footprint.
In 2023, the Mavericks played two preseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Those matchups, held on October 5 and 7, were part of a multiyear collaboration between the NBA and Abu Dhabi that also included fan clinics, community events, and NBA 2K League exhibitions. The Mavericks’ roster for those games featured Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, marking one of the first international showcases for the team’s All-Star backcourt.
Dallas is also scheduled to play a regular-season game against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City on November 1, 2025, at Arena CDMX. The contest will take place during Día de Muertos celebrations and represents the franchise’s eighth appearance in Mexico, the most of any team outside the United States and Canada.
The matchup marks the 34th NBA game ever held in Mexico, underscoring the Mavericks’ strong connection with Latin American fans.
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