CMG's CCTV sports channel announces the suspension of NBA broadcasting
Updated 18:55, 08-Oct-2019
CGTN

The CCTV Sports channel of China Media Group (CMG) announced on Tuesday that it will suspend the NBA broadcasting because NBA Commissioner Adam Silver supported improper remarks made by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey over China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Earlier on Sunday, CMG had already opposed improper remarks made by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey on the current situation in Hong Kong and decided to suspend the live-streaming of their games, as well as cooperation and communication with the team.

Commenting on CMG's announcement to suspend NBA broadcasting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday that the stance of China is very clear from the statements of Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Houston, China Basketball Association, and the commercial partners of Houston Rockets Team in China. "I would advise you to pay attention to the reactions and attitudes of the Chinese people about this. Lacking knowledge of the minds and hearts of the Chinese people while trying to build communication and cooperation won't work," said Geng.

Shortly before NBA Japan Games press conference on Tuesday, Adam Silver released a statement on how NBA will not "put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees and team owners say or will not say on these issues," concerning Daryl Morey's improper remarks.

At the press conference, Adam Silver said he and the league hoped for no further cancellations of NBA events in China.

"I regret, again, having communicated directly with many friends in China, that so many people are upset, including millions and millions of our fans," Silver said.