An unexpected American export has become a cultural phenomenon in rural China—basketball. The deeply American sport has transformed into a passionate pastime for small towns and farming villages across the country. Game On, a two-part documentary series developed in partnership with USA Today and China Intercontinental Communication Center (CICC), explores this remarkable journey and is now streaming on the USA Today YouTube channel.

At the center of the series is China’s extraordinary “Village NBA” tournament, where top basketball teams from the region compete in front of 20,000 fans. Hosted by Zena Edosomwan, an American professional basketball player, Game On provides an intimate look at this unique tournament, blending high-stakes athleticism with vibrant cultural celebrations. With its heartfelt moments and dramatic competition, the series highlights the unifying power of sports to transcend borders and connect communities.

The making of Game On was a true collaborative effort, involving an incredible team in the U.S. and dedicated production partners in China. Their collective passion and expertise shine through in every frame, delivering a story that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining.

Parts One and Two of Game On are now available to stream now on YouTube and on the USA Today channel which is available across these services. You can also learn more about the series host, Zena Edosomwan, in this interview.