NBA G League United's visits to China strengthen basketball exchanges

NBA G League United made two trips to China in less than a month, competing against Chinese Basketball Association teams in Shanghai and Beijing while also taking part in exchanges with some of the country's professional players and young prospects.

The developmental club made its China debut in Shanghai in late August, facing reigning CBA champions the Shanghai Sharks in two exhibition games at the inaugural NBA Shanghai Basketball Festival on August 28th and 30th.

NBA G League United then returned to China for the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Beijing, where they beat the Beijing Royal Fighters 119-89 at the National Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

Formed in 2024 to represent the NBA's developmental league in international competition, NBA G League United's roster also featured a player with recent connections to Chinese basketball. Guard Lester Quinones played for the CBA's Qingdao Eagles last season, before joining the select team for its latest international campaign.

There were familiar faces on the other side of the court as well. Beijing guards Grant Riller and Daishen Nix both previously competed in the NBA G League, with Riller having played for the CBA's Royal Fighters since 2023.

The visits provided opportunities for players from both countries to exchange ideas and experience different styles of basketball.

Shanghai guard Li Tianrong said his team learned from NBA G League United's pace at both ends of the court and picked up on various details of the American players' individual skills.

Sharks coach Lu Wei also welcomed cross-Pacific basketball exchanges, saying Chinese teams can benefit whether they travel to the United States or host American clubs at home.

The interaction extended beyond professional competition. On their first trip, the NBA G League United players visited the Bund and met young players from the Shanghai Guangming High School basketball team.

From exhibition games in Shanghai to international competition in Beijing and meetings with young players, the two visits served as the latest platform for basketball exchanges between China and the United States.