When Xiao Hua heard those words, his heart sank.
Thinking back to 1989, it had been a cold winter.
David Stern, the NBA's previous president, had brought NBA videotapes to China Central Television.
He had waited for two hours in the reception room before finally meeting with the head of its sports department and begging him to broadcast the NBA for free.
That was how the NBA first opened the door to the China market.
It wasn't until Yao Ming joined the NBA that the league reached its peak.
The NBA made a fortune in the China market.
But a few years ago, after Mo Gou's comments, the door to the China market had nearly closed, leaving only a crack.
After several years of effort, the NBA had finally managed to push that door open again. And with Wang Yi joining the league, it had opened even wider than before.
But this incident could very well close that door again—and might even weld it shut for good.
Xiao Hua was a born businessman. He had been made to make money.
If that door were welded shut, it would be an enormous blow not only to everyone working in the NBA, but also to him.
With that thought, he made up his mind.
He immediately said to Ma Xiaofei, "Ma, tell the fans in China not to worry. Wang will definitely play in the next game."
Ma Xiaofei was delighted to hear that.
As a Chinese man, he naturally hoped Wang Yi would be able to play.
And as the NBA's CEO for China, he also wanted Wang Yi to play. It would be a win-win.
There was just one more problem.
Ma Xiaofei asked Xiao Hua, "But what will the league do if Wang Yi still covers up the Nike