NBA Interrupts Wizards-Clippers Game with Chinese Ambassador Speech

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Capital One Arena broadcast a pre-recorded speech by Qin to the audience on Tuesday on the occasion of Lunar New Year – which the NBA referred to as “Chinese New Year,” despite it being a celebration observed throughout Asia – that also featured Chinese dance troupes, a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on a Chinese traditional instrument, and other activities “honoring Chinese culture.”

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This official Chinese government appearance at what was billed as an apolitical sporting event follows years of efforts by both the NBA and the Communist Party to strengthen ties, resulting in the NBA profiting to the tune of billions of dollars.

The NBA’s partnership with Chinese mega-streamer Tencent ensures that Chinese fans can watch government-censored versions of the competition in the United States. The league’s eagerness to cooperate with government-friendly Chinese partners has elevated the profiles of individuals such as Alibaba founder and billionaire Joseph Tsai, owner of the Brooklyn Nets, who has used this platform to promote his authoritarian, pro-Beijing opinions in the league.

Ambassador Qin “congratulated NBA on its legendary 75th anniversary, hoping it will keep on getting better in the years to come,” according to the state-run Global Times. “He also noted that both the Wizards and the Clippers were special in the hearts of Chinese fans, as some famous Chinese players had once played for the two teams respectively.” “Clearly, something is bigger than basketball,” the outlet quoted the ambassador as stating.

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The NBA advertised the Wizards-Clippers game as a larger “celebration of the Year of the Tiger” last week. “As part of the celebration of the Year of the Tiger, the game will feature a Chinese New Year themed matchup animation as well as facts on the Year of the Tiger. The national anthem will be performed using the Chinese instrument pipa,” the NBA press release read. “Various activities and game integrations honoring Chinese culture will be highlighted throughout the game including the red envelope giveaways, a message from Chinese ambassador Qin Gang and welcome messages featuring Wizards players.”

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Washington will continue the celebration across the Wizards’ social channels with a campaign honoring Chinese culture. A video of players speaking Mandarin and a video of players doing Chinese character writing will be showcased,” it also noted. The Chinese embassy in Washington celebrated the event, applauding Capital One arena for being “rich in Chinese culture atmosphere [sic].” “The audience was immersed in the Chinese New Year blessings and an enjoyable ‘Chinese Cultural Night,'” the embassy said in an approving statement on the event.

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