With the NBA season just tipping off in North America, fans don’t have to look far to catch the excitement – some of it will unfold right here in Macao.
On 7 December, the recently renovated The Venetian Arena will host the NBA Legends Celebrity Game Presented by Sands China Ltd. Some of the biggest names in basketball history will team up with pop superstars, actors and influencers from across the region for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Each team will have 13 players – a mix of NBA legends, influencers and celebrities – who will compete across four 15-minute quarters. In addition to the game, fans will also enjoy live performances, skills challenges and a thrilling slam dunk show.
Here’s everything you need to know about this can’t-miss event.
Which NBA legends will be playing?
Both lifelong fans and newcomers are in for a treat. The game will unite an impressive crew of former NBA players, including Hall of Famers and league champions, with stars from across the continent. Some of the NBA stars lacing up for the game include:
- Tracy McGrady
The seven-time NBA All-Star was one of the game’s most prolific talents. A two-time scoring champion, he led the Houston Rockets to perennial playoffs alongside Chinese superstar Yao Ming. McGrady was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Ray Allen
One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Allen won NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and the Miami Heat in 2013. He held the record for most three-pointers in the regular season until Stephen Curry surpassed him in 2021. Allen was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Tony Parker
The four-time NBA champion and San Antonio Spurs legend is celebrated as one of the best point guards of all time. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
- Stephon Marbury
A two-time NBA All-Star with the New York Knicks, “Starbury” became a basketball icon in Asia when he joined the Chinese Basketball Association in 2009. Today, he coaches the Beijing Royal Fighters.
- DeMarcus Cousins
Nicknamed “Boogie”, Cousins is a four-time NBA All-Star who made his mark with teams like the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. Known as a powerful centre, he most recently played for the Taiwan Beer Leopards.
- Cuttino Mobley
Known for his elite offensive skills, the former Houston Rockets guard is now a prominent figure in 3×3 basketball – a fast-paced half-court version of the game gaining global popularity.
[See more: NBA legends Tony Parker, Ray Allen and others to play a friendly game in Macao]
What about celebrities? Who will be hitting the court?
The celebrity players will leave you star-struck, too. At the game, you can expect to see a long list of stars – including Mirror’s lead singer Keung To, Hong Kong actor Shawn Yue, Cantopop star Pakho Chau, Bruneian actor and singer Wu Chun and Thai actor and singer “Bright” – sweating it out on the court.
What else is going on besides the game?
Fans will be treated to live performances from top Asian talent like Hong Kong singer and actor Raymond Lam and Cantopop queen Sammi Cheng.
The NBA Legends Celebrity Game will also feature a shooting and skills challenge, a slam dunk show, and a performance by an NBA dance team for a thrilling evening of non-stop entertainment.
Why Macao?
Basketball has become Asia’s most-watched sport, particularly in China and the Philippines, with a growing following in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. This marquee celebrity event in Macao aims to foster new lifelong fans while bringing NBA action closer to its millions of regional followers.
In September, Phoenix Suns centre Jusuf Nurkić came to Macao as a guest of Sands Lifestyle. However, this event marks the first time six NBA legends are teaming up with top musical talents and influencers from across the region – and you won’t want to miss it.
OK, I’m in. How can I get tickets?
The NBA Legends Celebrity Game Presented by Sands China tips off at 7 pm at The Venetian Arena on Saturday, 7 December.
There’s a wide range of tickets available, from arena spots that put you in the thick of the action starting at 388 patacas to frontcourt VVIP packages that will set you back 3,688 patacas.
