NBA will pay tribute to its largest international fan base from February 20 to March 5 with its biggest ever Chinese New Year celebration, ushering in the Year of the Sheep with millions of fans in China, the US and around the world.

The celebration will feature a record 56 live games broadcast and streamed in Greater China, showcasing 27 of the 30 NBA teams; the debut of "Surprise Door," the first NBA Chinese New Year television spot which embraces the diversity of the league's fans; the unveiling of the first Chinese New Year uniforms; and the tip-off of the Chinese New Year Celebration Season of Giving initiative to support underprivileged communities in China.

"Chinese New Year is a time of joyful family reunion and provides an occasion for us to share in the festivities by delivering the excitement of the NBA right into the homes of our fans," said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.

Nine-time NBA All-Star, NBA Champion and Hall of Famer Gary Payton will tip off the festivities and the inaugural NBA Chinese New Year Celebration Season of Giving initiative in China on January 30 with a basketball clinic in Nanping, Fujian Province. He will then travel to Shanghai to visit the children at the NBA Yao Basketball Club, and conduct a clinic for a group of Special Olympics athletes.

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