Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Michigan) is urging the NBA to review Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai's position in the league. This call follows the U.S. government's designation of Alibaba, a company Tsai co-founded and chairs, as a "Chinese military company." Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, stated that the NBA should decide if an owner "actively working against American interests and helping the Chinese military" should remain in their ranks.

This situation echoes a previous congressional request for Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Wizards, to end his company's marketing partnership with Alibaba, which the Pentagon has accused of supporting China's military. Alibaba has disputed the designation and filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense. Moolenaar expressed disappointment that Monumental Sports & Entertainment plans to continue its relationship with Alibaba.

Moolenaar highlighted past reporting on Tsai's defense of controversial Chinese policies and Alibaba's partnerships with U.S.-blacklisted companies. He believes this is a "moment of reckoning" for the NBA regarding accountability and reputation, starting with its operations in Washington, D.C.