WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, America First Legal (AFL) petitioned the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to require that the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its commissioner, Adam Silver, register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act as agents of the Chinese Communist Party. AFL’s petition follows an oversight letter signed by twelve U.S. Senators and Representatives – led by Sen. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio and by Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Kevin Hern – demanded information about the NBA’s pro-Communist propaganda and noted the serious national security concerns raised by the NBA’s “partnership” with the Chinese Communist Party.
The evidence that Mr. Silver and the National Basketball Association knowingly and intentionally advance and advocate for the Chinese Communist Party’s political and propaganda interests in exchange for payment is longstanding and substantial.
Most recently, on January 21, 2023, Mr. Silver and the NBA provided the People’s Republic of China Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, and the Communist Party’s “China Media Group” with public relations services and a propaganda opportunity at the Capitol One Area in Washington, D.C. During this event, which was, upon information and belief, arranged with Mr. Silver’s consent by National Basketball Association representatives, a high-ranking Chinese Communist Party official was given a significant public relations platform and a venue for the distribution of things of value (“zodiac rabbits”), all to provide the Communist Party with favorable publicity. According to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America’s website, “the event was filled with festive atmosphere and Chinese cultural elements.” A video message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs was also broadcasted to thousands of fans.
It is absolutely imperative that the Department of Justice require Adam Silver and the NBA register as foreign agents of the Chinese Communist Party. America First Legal will do everything in its power to keep fighting for accountability and to protect the rule of law.
Read the letter here.
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