Macao Reinvents Itself as a Global Sports and Entertainment Hub

Sands China CEO and President Grant Chum recently emphasized that Macao is shifting its focus away from gaming to establish itself as a destination for sports and entertainment. His comments came during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the city, which concluded on Friday.

Chum highlighted a partnership announced in December between Sands China and the North American National Basketball Association (NBA) to host two pre-season NBA games in Macao. He noted that these games, part of a multi-year agreement, represent a strategic move to strengthen Macao’s position as a hub for global events. Chum explained that the company’s aim was not to stage a one-off event but to develop a long-term collaboration that would enhance the city’s reputation.

This initiative is part of Sands China’s broader commitment to invest $4.5 billion in Macao through 2032, with more than 90% of the funds allocated to non-gaming developments. Chum revealed that the newly renovated Venetian Arena, now a cutting-edge facility for concerts, exhibitions, conventions, and sporting events, is one of the key projects completed under this initiative. The arena will host the NBA pre-season games beginning in 2025, starting with a match between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns.

Collectively, Macao’s six gaming operators have pledged close to $15 billion in investments to diversify the region’s economy, moving it away from a reliance on gambling. These commitments were critical to the renewal of their gaming licenses in 2022, which were granted for 10 years instead of the previous 20-year term.

President Xi, during his speech in Macao, commended the region’s progress and outlined three expectations for its future, urging the city to embrace innovation, adapt to global trends, and attract international talent. His message was echoed by Allan Zeman, Wynn Macao’s non-executive chairman, who underscored the importance of drawing foreign expertise to the city.

Chum also shared that Macao’s gaming revenue has recovered to approximately 80% of its 2019 levels, with tourist arrivals returning to pre-pandemic numbers in August and October. He described tourism as the most critical indicator of the city’s economic health.

The NBA partnership also signifies the return of pre-season games to China for the first time since 2019. This return follows the suspension of such events after a tweet from a Houston Rockets executive in 2019 caused tensions with Beijing.

Friday’s events coincided with the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China from British control in December 1999, marking a symbolic milestone in the city’s transformation journey.

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