Seeking to capitalize on the NBA's Chinese connection, ESPN Friday announced plans to televise the first-ever NBA games staged in China when the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings play two
pre-season games originating from Shanghai and Beijing in October 2004. The games will mark the first time Yao Ming returns to his native country with his NBA team, the Houston Rockets. In addition
to the domestic telecasts, ESPN International will distribute the games to 100 countries and territories in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Additional international
distribution is pending.
