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March 25, 2015 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that the Charlotte Hornets will be one of two teams participating in NBA Global Games China 2015. The Hornets, who will be making their first trip to China, will play the Los Angeles Clippers in two preseason games in October.
The Hornets and Clippers will play the NBA’s first game ever in Shenzhen on Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, followed by a rematch in Shanghai on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Along with the games, Hornets players will participate in a variety of off-court activities, including NBA Cares community programs.
“The Charlotte Hornets are excited to play in NBA Global Games China and help grow the NBA’s brand internationally, while showcasing the strength of our franchise and team to millions of Chinese basketball fans,” said Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan.
The announcement took place today in Shenzhen with NBA China CEO David Shoemaker and Deputy Director of Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ke Gangming. Eight-time NBA All-Star and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo also participated in the announcement and hosted a basketball clinic for fans.
“Basketball is more popular than ever, and Global Games China 2015 is part of our ongoing commitment to growing the game in the world’s most populous nation,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “These games will not only bring the excitement of NBA action directly to Chinese fans, but will also provide the league another opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of China.”
This is the second time that the Hornets have played preseason games overseas. In 1994, the Hornets played the Golden State Warriors in Paris on Oct. 18 and the Italian team Buckler Bologna on Oct. 21 in Bologna, Italy.
“We are delighted to have two young and talented teams in the Clippers and Hornets showcase the best NBA basketball to our fans in China,” said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker. “We thank the Chinese Basketball Association and the cities of Shenzhen and Shanghai for their support as we continue to work with them to get more boys and girls to play and enjoy basketball and to grow the game in China.”
The NBA in 2004 became the first American professional sports league to compete in China, with two exhibition games between the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings in Shanghai and Beijing. Following NBA Global Games China 2015, the NBA will have played 20 games in Greater China since 2004. The NBA is the most popular sports league in China, and basketball is the nation’s number one team sport, with 300 million people playing the game.
For information on the NBA’s growth and international games history, visit NBA.com/global.