• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 22, 2025

Report Reveals NBA Owners Deeply Entangled in Chinese Companies

  • A new investigation shows that its owners’ ties to the country go far beyond the court.
  • The NBA’s 40 principal owners have over $10 billion in China-connected investments.
Joseph-Tsai
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It’s long been known that the NBA has deep ties to China, namely through NBA China, valued at $5 billion. A new investigation shows that its owners’ ties to the country go far beyond the court.

The NBA’s 40 principal owners have over $10 billion in China-connected investments, according to an analysis by ESPN.

  • Joseph Tsai, both the Brooklyn Nets owner and vice chair of Chinese retail giant Ali Baba, has 53.5% of his net worth in China. Tsai is Ali Baba’s second-largest shareholder, and has a net worth of $8.2 billion, per Forbes.
  • Sacramento Kings co-owner Paul Jacobs has over 30% of his net worth tied to China, according to the investigation, through over $200 million in shares of Qualcomm. 
  • Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has around $369 million in exposure to China through his wireless device parts manufacturer Ubiquiti.

Miami Heat owner Micky Arison has over $375 million invested in China through a venture connected to his cruise line company Carnival Corp. 

The tie-up entangles Carnival with a state-owned company, CSSC, that has military connections. CSSC has been tagged by the U.S. government as “acting contrary” to U.S. “national security or foreign policy interests.”

Tsai Ops

Tsai is often at the center of the NBA’s complicated relationship with China.

He reportedly tried to get Daryl Morey fired after Morey, the Houston Rockets general manager at the time, tweeted in support of Hong Kong protestors. Morey later had a suite he purchased at the Nets’ Barclays Center refunded.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 11, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football signage prior to the game between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Amazon Keeps Pouring Gasoline on Its Sports Strategy

Sports media rights are an area of massive investment for the company.
Cheryl Reeve

How Cheryl Reeve Turned the Lynx Into the WNBA Gold Standard

Reeve has Minnesota six wins away from an unprecedented fifth WNBA title.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) during a college football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 13, 2025.

How Schools Are Skirting the New Salary Cap in College Sports

In the House settlement era, schools race to secure deals for players.
May 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) stands on the court during warmups against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.

Warriors Remain in Awkward Holding Pattern Amid Kuminga Standoff

NBA training camps open in two weeks and the Warriors can’t even scrimmage.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Dodgers First MLB Team to Draw 4 Million Fans Since 2008

The league’s perennial attendance leader surpasses 4 million at Dodger Stadium.
September 21, 2025

LPGA Scraps Rain-Soaked Arkansas Event, Prize Money Reduced to $2M

Excessive rain resulted in this weekend’s tournament course being unplayable.
September 22, 2025

Christian Horner Could Return to F1 in 2026 After $100M Red Bull..

The team announced his official exit on Monday.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 21, 2025

A’ja Wilson’s Record 4th MVP Sets Stage for Free Agency, CBA Standoff

Wilson receives a $15,450 bonus for winning the award.
Michael Johnson
exclusive
September 19, 2025

Embattled Grand Slam Track Hires British Law Firm

The league hasn’t paid athletes millions of dollars it owes them.
September 18, 2025

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
Marina Mabrey
September 17, 2025

Adam Silver Defends WNBA Involvement in Sun Sale

Silver discussed the deal at Tuned In.