• Loading stock data...
Monday, July 14, 2025

Harden Is Big In China

  • James Harden had the No. 3-selling jersey in China in 2018.
  • Harden will pay nearly $14 million extra in taxes in Brooklyn.
harden_talking_into_microphone
Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets amped up their global appeal when they acquired James Harden from the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade.

The team has already drawn more local viewers this season than the Knicks — a stark role reversal. National networks’ interest in the Nets is likely to grow when the NBA releases the second half of its 2020-21 schedule.

Before Harden, the Nets were already one of the most popular teams internationally — particularly in China, a country with an estimated 500 million basketball fans. Nets owner Joe Tsai is the co-founder of Chinese tech giant Alibaba.

The Rockets, meanwhile, were previously one of China’s favorites. Harden had the No. 3-selling jersey in China in 2018, but the relationship soured in October 2019.

After former Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted his support for Hong Kong protestors, several Chinese retailers pulled Rockets merchandise, China’s CCTV temporarily stopped airing NBA games, and Chinese sponsors pulled away from the franchise.

With the NBA now back on Tencent, the former MVP returns to the spotlight in China.

Harden’s wallet will take a hit, however: He’ll pay nearly $14 million extra in taxes through the remaining three years of his contract in Brooklyn than he would have in Houston.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
exclusive

Cal Raleigh’s $11M Season a Steal As He Slugs His Way Into..

The Mariners star considers himself an everyday guy, while his play isn’t.
Aliyah Boston
July 14, 2025

Aliyah Boston Is Latest WNBA Player to Invest in NWSL Team

Boston joins a select group that includes Sabrina Ionescu.
Phillies
July 14, 2025

Replacements Have MLB at Whopping 80 All-Stars

Players have criticized the replacement process as a popularity contest. 
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Boxing: Taylor vs Serrano 3
July 12, 2025

Katie Taylor’s Sweep Produces Largest Women’s Boxing Gate Ever

Taylor–Serrano III brought in record cash.
July 12, 2025

Misiorowski’s Path From Anonymous to MLB All-Star In 5 Games

The Brewers flamethrower has just five games of major-league experience.
NFL
July 11, 2025

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
July 11, 2025

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.