More #Kowtow in #NBA to avoid backfire from China

#ChinaInfluence #kowtow #NBA

Ever since the NBA team Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey’s tweet to support HK’s pro-democracy movement, many US companies were dragged into the dilemma of supporting freedom or Renminbi (Chinese currency). Many chosed to kneel down to China. The Wells Fargo Centre joined the line and has beefed up its sign policy, to include a ban on political materials, just as the 76ers began their 2019-20 season. 

Previously, fans were allowed to bring signs, banners, posters and flags into the arena, but the policy now bans content that staff at the center deems “political, ideological or commercial in nature”. The Policy was enacted right before the night’s game, which also prohibits fans from hanging or taping signs over any part of the building, and displaying material that obstructs or interrupts experience for other fans or guests. 

The Well Fargo Center claimed that policy change was part of the regular updates that often happen at the beginning of a league season. 

Amid the tension between NBA and China, there were reports of fans being ejected from the stadiums because of wearing shirts supporting HK’s pro-democracy movement or holding “Free HK” signs during games related to Chinese teams. ‘Free HK” signs were even confiscated. 

Yet, this does not stop HK supporters. At the Sixers Home opener, a pro HK group of 15 people wearing yellow T shirts, protested right outside SEPTA’s NRG Station, while another group wore shirts that read “Fight for Freedom Stand for HK” outside the Staples Centre in Los Angeles ahead of Lakers’ season opener.

The NBA’s opening night games did not air on Chinese state-owned TV, where they have traditionally been televised. Chinese state TV threatened “retribution” against NBA commissioner Adam Silver for saying the Chinese government wanted him to fire Morey over his tweet.

Inquirer (24-Oct-2019)

https://www.inquirer.com/news/sixers-wells-fargo-center-china-sign-policy-update-politics-free-hong-kong-20191024.html