China Seeks Foreign Investment to Strengthen Domestic Basketball After NBA’s Return
China has unveiled new plans to attract foreign investment into its domestic basketball system, marking a significant step toward expanding the sport’s reach and raising the competitiveness of Chinese teams. The announcement comes only weeks after the NBA resumed operations in the country and expressed interest in deepening its presence in the Chinese sports market.
The General Administration of Sport of China presented a package of measures on Thursday that outlines how the country intends to modernize and internationalize its basketball programs. Central to the plan is the call for high-quality foreign capital to flow into Chinese professional leagues and clubs. Officials say attracting international investment will help improve training standards, management practices, and overall competitiveness.
The proposal encourages overseas league companies, training academies and sports management firms to set up regional headquarters in China. By establishing a stronger local presence foreign organizations could work more closely with domestic clubs, share technical expertise and provide new pathways for player development. Chinese officials believe that closer cooperation with international partners will accelerate progress at both the professional and grassroots levels.
This push for foreign involvement comes at a time when China is setting ambitious goals for its national basketball program. One target outlined in the new measures is for China’s men’s team to qualify regularly for the Olympic Games by 2035. To achieve this, the government aims to strengthen youth training systems, expand access to high-level coaching, and create a more competitive professional environment. Officials say that engaging with international basketball institutions will be essential for closing the performance gap with leading nations.
China also wants to increase its influence in global basketball governance. The new plan highlights the goal of playing a stronger role in international basketball organizations and hosting more world-class tournaments. Officials believe that China’s large fan base and growing sports industry make it a natural candidate for a bigger presence in global basketball affairs.
The return of the NBA has helped energize these efforts. After several years of reduced activity in China, the league has recently renewed partnerships and shown interest in expanding commercial opportunities. Observers say the NBA’s return sends a positive signal to other foreign investors, demonstrating that China remains a major market for basketball.
Analysts note that China’s strategy reflects a broader trend in the country’s sports policy. Rather than relying solely on domestic systems, officials are increasingly seeking international expertise to improve performance. Partnerships with foreign leagues are seen as a way to introduce new ideas, modernize club operations, and expand the talent pool.
While China’s basketball ambitions face challenges, including competition from more established leagues and the need for long-term investment, the government’s openness to foreign participation marks a notable shift. If the new measures succeed, they could reshape the landscape of Chinese basketball and strengthen the country’s role in the global sports industry.
