//China’s CCTV to Air Game 5 of NBA Finals; First Broadcast to Return in Over a Year

China’s CCTV to Air Game 5 of NBA Finals; First Broadcast to Return in Over a Year

CCTV suspended NBA programming last fall in the wake of Rockets GM Daryl Morey’s controversial tweet.

After being pulled off the air over a year ago, the NBA is returning to China’s CCTV.

The state-run TV network announced on Friday that it will show Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Heat. This marks the first time since Oct. 8, 2019, that an NBA game will be broadcasted by CCTV following the fallout of Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s controversial tweet last fall.

CCTV cited the NBA’s COVID-19 assistance as a reason for resuming broadcasts. The league donated over $1 million and medical equipment to China earlier this year.

“During the recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, the NBA sent their well wishes to fans in China,” CCTV said in a statement, per ESPN. “We also took note of the league has been continuously delivering goodwill (to