China Basketball League: A Complete Guide to Teams, Players and Season Schedule

Having followed the China Basketball League for over a decade, I've witnessed its transformation from a domestic competition to a genuinely compelling professional league that now attracts international attention. What fascinates me most about the CBL is how it mirrors China's broader sports evolution—constantly adapting, growing, and surprising us with unexpected developments. Just last season, I watched in amazement as the Qingdao Eagles staged a comeback that reminded me of that incredible volleyball match where KKD & Co. scored seven of the last nine points to steal Set 1 before wreaking havoc in the second frame with a 10-2 blitz. That kind of momentum shift isn't just exciting—it's becoming characteristic of Chinese sports leagues today.

The league currently features 20 teams divided into two conferences, with the regular season typically running from October through April. Having attended games in person across six different cities, I can tell you the atmosphere varies dramatically depending on where you are. The Guangdong Southern Tigers consistently draw crowds of around 12,000 spectators per game, creating an electric environment that genuinely impacts player performance. Meanwhile, the Liaoning Flying Leopards have developed what I consider the most sophisticated youth academy system in Chinese basketball, producing at least 4 current national team players. My personal favorite to watch this season has been the Zhejiang Golden Bulls—their fast-break offense averages 18.2 transition points per game, which makes for some of the most entertaining basketball in Asia.

When it comes to players, the CBL has evolved from relying heavily on imported talent to developing genuine homegrown stars. Zhang Zhen, the 24-year-old shooting guard for Beijing Ducks, has improved his three-point percentage from 32% to 41% over the past two seasons—I've never seen a Chinese player make such dramatic improvement in their shooting mechanics in such a short time. Then there's American import James Blackmon, who's averaging 28.7 points per game for Shanghai Sharks. Having interviewed him last month, I was struck by his commitment to mentoring younger Chinese players rather than just collecting a paycheck. That kind of attitude is why I believe the quality of the league is improving faster than many international observers realize.

The regular season schedule follows a straightforward round-robin format where each team plays 38 games, but what many fans don't realize is how grueling the travel can be. I once accompanied the Xinjiang Flying Tigers on a road trip that covered 3,800 miles in five days—the jet lag alone would wipe out most professional athletes. The playoffs typically begin in late March, featuring a best-of-three quarterfinal series before shifting to best-of-five for the semifinals and finals. Last year's championship between Guangdong and Liaoning drew television audiences exceeding 95 million viewers for the decisive Game 4, numbers that demonstrate the league's growing popularity.

From my perspective, the CBL's greatest strength lies in its balance between established veterans and emerging young talent. The league mandates that each team must have at least two Chinese players under 22 on the court for a minimum of 24 minutes per game. While some coaches initially resisted this rule, I've come to appreciate how it's accelerated the development of players like Li Weibo, who at just 20 years old is already averaging double-doubles for the Guangzhou Long-Lions. This policy, combined with the strategic inclusion of foreign players (limited to two per team), creates a fascinating dynamic that preserves developmental opportunities while maintaining competitive quality.

The business side of the league has seen remarkable growth too—broadrights deals have increased in value by approximately 40% since 2020, and merchandise sales hit record numbers last season with over 2.3 million jerseys sold. Having consulted for two CBL franchises on marketing strategy, I can confirm that the league's digital presence has expanded dramatically, with social media engagement up 156% year-over-year. What excites me most isn't just the numbers though—it's seeing how teams are creating authentic connections with their communities through basketball clinics and youth programs.

As the current season progresses, I'm particularly interested in watching how the mid-tier teams like Jiangsu Dragons and Shandong Heroes perform against the traditional powerhouses. The Dragons have invested heavily in sports science technology this offseason, including the installation of advanced player tracking systems that cost approximately $420,000. That kind of investment signals to me that the league is moving toward a more data-driven approach to player development and in-game strategy. While the CBL still has room for improvement—particularly in referee consistency and depth of coaching—the trajectory is undoubtedly positive.

Looking ahead, I believe the China Basketball League has the potential to become the second-most popular basketball league in Asia within five years, behind only the CBA. The combination of growing investment, improved training facilities, and strategic player development creates a foundation for sustained growth. Having watched basketball leagues worldwide, what strikes me about the CBL is its unique blend of rapid professionalization and maintained cultural identity. The league honors traditional Chinese approaches to team chemistry while embracing international best practices—a balance that's proving increasingly effective with each passing season. For any basketball enthusiast looking to understand the future of the sport, keeping an eye on China's evolving basketball landscape is no longer optional—it's essential.