There is such a thing as freedom of choice. One side can choose not to do “business” with the other. If the NBA decided not to play games in China what would happen? In the US, besides a bunch of already pretty well compensated sports celebrities would perhaps get as little bit less, not much. In China their 100’s of millions of basket ball fans would have to settle for “tape delay” or pirated satellite signals. Not a big deal for anyone other than the NBA and the Chinese fans.

A “global” market demands a good deal of tolerance from all participants; governments and corporations and individuals. But it needs to be a two-way thing. If you are going to open your market to the NBA (and a lot of Chinese folks will make a lot of money on that) you need to be prepared to accept the antics of the NBA, as a group and as individuals. Equally, if you are going to take your game to China, the NBA needs to realize what it is agreeing to and make their choice accordingly. Both parties need to realize what they are embracing and, if committed to the idea, find common ground.

One of the other commenters questioned why one statement from one person would be such a bit deal. The answer is, it is only as big a deal as you allow it to be. Those looking to fan the flames of dissension see it as an opportunity to chant their rant. The vast majority on the other hand don’t understand all the ruckus.