Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban has expressed his support for the NBA’s partnership with China, despite concerns about human rights violations in the country. This support was reiterated during a group discussion where Cuban was asked about his stance on the NBA’s business dealings with China, particularly in light of the human rights abuses that have been reported there. Cuban defended the partnership, stating that while he is against human rights violations, he is okay with the NBA exporting content to China and being paid for it. He also mentioned a film he produced about Chinese influence in the American stock market.
Cuban’s response sparked a series of discussions and reposts, with some questioning his alignment with former President Donald Trump. However, Cuban clarified that his post was not an endorsement of Trump. Despite the documented human rights violations in China, including the Uyghur genocide, forced labor, and coercive population control, Cuban has remained supportive of the NBA’s partnership with the country. The Dallas Mavericks, owned by Cuban, have even re-branded themselves to appeal to the Chinese market.
In a previous interview, Cuban defended the NBA’s business with China, emphasizing the importance of picking battles and acknowledging China as a significant customer. He refrained from specifically condemning the genocide in Xinjiang, stating that he prioritizes domestic issues but is against human rights violations worldwide. Cuban’s stance aligns with the general sentiment in the NBA, where few major figures have openly criticized China for its actions.
The NBA’s ties to China have come under scrutiny, with reports of NBA owners having billions of dollars invested in the country. Concerns have been raised about the use of forced Uyghur labor in manufacturing sports apparel for companies like Nike, which are then used by the NBA. Despite some instances of opposition, such as former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressing support for Hong Kong protestors, the NBA has generally avoided condemning China to maintain its business relationships.
Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom testified that his criticism of China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims affected his career, leading to his release from the Houston Rockets. Kanter’s experience highlights the challenges faced by those who speak out against China within the NBA. While a few individuals like Kanter and Morey have raised concerns, the overall stance within the league remains largely supportive of the partnership with China.
In conclusion, Mark Cuban’s backing of the NBA’s partnership with China reflects a broader trend within the league of prioritizing business interests over human rights concerns. Despite documented violations in China, the NBA continues to maintain its relationship with the country, raising questions about the ethical implications of such partnerships. As the debate around China’s influence in the NBA continues, it remains to be seen how the league will navigate these complex issues in the future.
