NBA G League United Completed Exhibition Tour of China
The team made two separate trips to China in September 2026 to compete against local professional clubs.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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NBA G League United conducted two visits to China throughout September 2026, engaging in exhibition matches against prominent CBA teams. The squad played games in Shanghai and Beijing to foster basketball exchange.
Why it matters
The visits served as a formal platform for basketball cooperation between the United States and China, connecting professional players with young prospects.
NBA G League United completed 2 total trips to China, including a decisive 119-89 victory over the Beijing Royal Fighters at the National Indoor Stadium.
The players
NBA G League United
This is a team formed in 2024 to represent the G League in international competitions and showcases.
Shanghai Sharks
They are a professional basketball team competing in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Beijing Royal Fighters
They are a professional basketball franchise based in Beijing that competes in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Lester Quinones
He is a professional basketball player who previously played for the Qingdao Eagles.
Grant Riller
He is a professional basketball player who has been a member of the Beijing Royal Fighters since 2023.
The details
The team played two exhibition games against the Shanghai Sharks in August 2026 before returning to China in September for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Players participated in cultural and athletic exchanges with local Chinese professional players and young prospects.
Timeline
NBA G League United was formed in 2024.
The first exhibition game in Shanghai took place on August 28, 2026.
The second exhibition game in Shanghai occurred on August 30, 2026.
The team completed a return visit to China for the Intercontinental Cup in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
The participation of NBA G League United in these games signals a broader push to integrate developmental talent into the global FIBA Intercontinental Cup structure. These international games influence the long-term scouting landscape and the global competitive balance of the G League.
The 119-89 victory highlights the scoring depth of the G League roster, offering a barometer for how domestic developmental talent stacks up against international professional squads. This performance impacts potential future contract valuations for players like Grant Riller and Lester Quinones.
The takeaway
These exhibition games demonstrate the value of cross-border play in refining talent outside of the traditional NBA season. Players and fans should watch for more international opportunities as the G League continues to expand its global footprint.
Further reading
For additional context on international professional development, visit the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cgtn.
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