NBA vs. China: The League is Bravely Defending Free Speech — and That's a Game Changer
It was a tweet heard around the world.
Earlier this week, Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey unwittingly ignited a firestorm when he shared a since-deleted tweet, "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong," in response to pro-justice protests that have been taking place in the region since June.
The backlash in China—where roughly 800 million people are reported to have consumed NBA content during the 2018-19 season—has been swift and significant. Chinese broadcast partners are refusing to air NBA games, Rockets merchandise has been pulled off shelves and league...