a 'USA!...USA!' product to be sold in there. The Chinese people are aware that we are a democratic nation, so while we make money off the game broadcasts, we also transmit a positive image for Americal (e.g. Outstanding and successful Black and White players together on the court) to over a billion people...that's a good thing...at least that's the way I look at it.
The LIV is a different kettle of fish...a few American golfers (and Europeans) have agreed to be EMPLOYED BY Saudi Arabia as part of the country's effort to project an image 'do-over'...that's not at all the same situation as the NBA...i.e. our players are not employed by China to project the CCP's image to the American people.
Irrespective of the politics, from a "Golf" POV, I find the whole LIV Tour as just another attempt by Greg Norman to build his "World Tour" for the benefit of those who can't hack it anymore in real competition...btw, now players like Sergio Garcia are in essence 'begging' the DP and PGA tours to let them back in...if you'd like, I'll share more of what's wrong with the LIV.
As for the economics...from the linked article...
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“Virtually every American uses products manufactured in China,” Silver said. “And in many cases, they are the products that we are most reliant on. Our computers, our phones, our clothes. Our shoes, our kids’ toys. So then the question becomes why is the N.B.A. being singled out as the one company that should now boycott China?”
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"It's complicated".......
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/31/sports/basketball/nba-china.html