The NBA has signed a multi-year agreement with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), aiming to expand opportunities for Chinese athletes to play professionally in the United States, SCMP reported. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described the partnership as “transformational,” highlighting its potential to elevate talent development across both countries.
Under the deal, elite Chinese players will gain increased exposure to NBA and WNBA training programs, coaching, and competitive environments. The agreement builds on years of NBA efforts to promote basketball in China at youth and professional levels.
Silver emphasized that the collaboration is focused on helping China’s emerging players “become the greatest players they can be.” He added that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to growing the sport globally.
The partnership will also create opportunities for joint events, coaching exchanges, and developmental programs aimed at strengthening skills and professional pathways for young athletes. These programs are expected to accelerate the pipeline of talent from China to the NBA and WNBA.
This initiative marks a continuation of the league’s longstanding presence in China, including international games, grassroots programs, and previous talent exchanges. The new agreement reinforces the NBA’s commitment to expanding basketball’s global footprint.
