• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 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

NBC Made Its NBA Return Feel Big

From the nostalgia to Jordan getting personal, NBC hit the right chords.

The NBA’s $77B Future Starts Tonight 

Seven 2025 NBA All-Stars will miss the start of the season.
Keegan Murray

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

NFL Wants to Expand International Slate, Will Evaluate Saudi Arabia

The league is evaluating a mix of new and existing markets for 2026.
October 21, 2025

The AWS Outage Wreaked Havoc in Sports

Ticketmaster, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Strava all had problems.
October 21, 2025

After Heavy Pushback, LaLiga’s Controversial Miami Match Canceled

Hard Rock Stadium was set to host Barcelona-Villarreal on Dec. 20.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 20, 2025

Blue Jays $280M Payroll Pays Off With a Trip to the World..

Toronto is back in the Fall Classic for the first time in 32 years.
Verstappen
October 20, 2025

ESPN’s Final F1 Season Is Turning Into A Thriller 

F1 is averaging 1.4 million viewers on ESPN networks this year.
IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, left, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix with team co-owner Dan Towriss in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
October 17, 2025

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss Defends  $700 Million Apple Deal

“We’re going to have a bigger reach than what people think.”
Hansi Flick
October 17, 2025

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.