The NBA has responded to questions about its business practices in China, particularly regarding forced labor in the making of its licensed apparel. In a letter to a Congressional committee, the league emphasized that it prohibits the use of forced labor and condemns human rights violations. However, it also noted that it doesn't control players' contracts with shoe companies. The Congressional committee had urged the league and its players to ban the sale and use of shoes made through forced labor. They specifically cited Chinese companies using cotton from Xinjiang, a region known for its treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The NBA's response comes as tensions between the league and the Chinese government have persisted since 2019 when a general manager's support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong sparked backlash from China.
Despite facing criticism for its handling of the situation with China, the NBA reiterated its commitment to human rights and adhering to U.S. State Department guidelines. The league acknowledged the differing views surrounding the matter but emphasized that individuals connected to the NBA are free to speak their minds on the issue. This latest development comes following a letter from a bipartisan committee calling on the league and its players to take a stronger stance against forced labor and human rights violations in China. With the NBA's response, it remains to be seen how this ongoing controversy will affect its standing in the global market and its ability to address concerns about human rights violations.