Minnesota Timberwolves

Wolves to play 2 preseason games in China

Published Mar. 20, 2017 4:06 p.m. ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to China for a pair of preseason games next season.

The league announced Monday that the Wolves will face the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 5 in Shenzhen, followed by a rematch on Oct. 8. in Shanghai.

“When I visited last summer, I was amazed at the passion that Chinese fans have for the game of basketball," Wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns said in a statement. "Traveling to China with my teammates and coaches will be a fantastic experience.”

Minnesota already has ties to the country.

Chinese businessman Lizhang Jiang purchased a stake in the Wolves last season, becoming the NBA's first Chinese minority owner.