China-NBA row: CCTV to continue to shun games due to Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s support of ‘Hong Kong rioters’, state media says

The state broadcaster, which has the exclusive television rights for the league, reiterated its stance via a statement

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey ignited an international controversy when he tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters

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CCTV has hardened its stance on not broadcasting NBA games if and when the league resumes. Photo: AP

Published: 1:59pm, 13 May 2020Updated: 4:29pm, 13 May 2020

China Central Television will continue to ignore National Basketball Association games, state media outlet Global Times has said, citing a statement from the state broadcaster.

CCTV, which holds exclusive TV rights for the NBA, has not aired any of the popular league’s games since a Houston Rockets executive tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters last year.

“China Central Television refutes rumours that it would restore streaming NBA games, reiterating its consistent stance on national sovereignty,” the Global Times said on Twitter. “CCTV suspended streaming NBA games in October 2019 after Houston Rockets Daryl Morey’s tweet in support of Hong Kong rioters.”

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had tweeted in support of the protests in Hong Kong, a Chinese-ruled city embroiled in a political crisis due to months of anti-government protests stemming from a controversial extradition bill.

State media, including CCTV, criticised Morey for his tweet, which was labelled an example of Western interference in a bid to foment unrest and stir up anti-China sentiment, while Chinese partners severed or suspended ties with the NBA.

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