Jalen Green lights up Nansha to tip off Nansha BA season

The 2026 Nansha District Men's Basketball League opened at Nansha Gymnasium on the evening of Aug 11, headlined by an electrifying "100-point duel" between NBA star Jalen Green and Chinese streetball player Chen Zewen.

Before the season tipped off, Jimeng 116 defeated the Nansha representative team 82-72 in a warm-up match. Sixteen player representatives from local towns, industries, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) then gathered on court. Guests pushed a starting lever together as the players launched simultaneous three-pointers to the roar of the crowd, shouting "My League, My District BA".

Jalen Green and Chen Zewen battle in an intense "100-point duel". [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Green's visit to Nansha also turned into a cultural journey. He toured the century-old Yiya Liang Ancestral Hall in Dagang town, watched a lion dance, practiced Chinese calligraphy and Wing Chun, and tasted local roast chicken. He encouraged young Chinese players to "keep loving what you do and never give up".

The District BA, now in its fifth year, drew 3,416 players across 601 games in 2025. Alongside hosting international events such as the Davis Cup, Nansha is making consistent strides toward becoming a dynamic sports city with growing global appeal.