Teams
Liaoning Flying Leopards
Guangdong Southern Tigers
Zhejiang Lions
Xinjiang Flying Tigers
Beijing Ducks
Shenzen
Zhejiang Golden Bulls
Shandong Heroes
Shanghai Sharks
Guangzhou Long-Lions
Qingdao Eagles
Shanxi Loongs
Sichuan Blue Whales
Jiangsu Dragons
Jilin Northeast Tigers
Fujian Sturgeons
Tianjin Pioneers
Beijing Royal Fighters
Nanjing Monkey King
Bayi Rockets
Ningbo Rockets
Wikipedia - Chinese Basketball Association
The Chinese Basketball Association (simplified Chinese: 中国男子篮球职业联赛; traditional Chinese: 中國男子籃球職業聯賽; pinyin: Zhōngguó Nánzǐ Lánqiú Zhíyè Liánsài), often abbreviated as the CBA, is the first-tier professional men's basketball league in China.
The league is commonly known by fans as the CBA, and this acronym is even used in Chinese on a regular basis. The CBA should not be confused with the National Basketball League (NBL), which is a professional minor league. There is also a Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA).
A few Chinese players who competed in the CBA in the early stages of their careers—including Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue, and Zhou Qi—have also played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Others such as Xue Yuyang and Wang Zhelin were chosen in the draft, but have not played in the NBA.
Only a limited number of foreign players are allowed on each CBA team. Notable imports include former NBA All-Stars Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, Gilbert Arenas, Steve Francis, Metta World Peace and Kenyon Martin—as well as several NBA veterans who would become CBA All-Stars—Michael Beasley, Aaron Brooks, Jimmer Fredette, Al Harrington, Lester Hudson, Randolph Morris, Shavlik Randolph, Jeremy Lin and J.R. Smith.
De CBA werd opgericht in 1995 en telt momenteel 20 teams. De reguliere competitie loopt van november tot juni, waarbij elk team 56 wedstrijden speelt. De top acht teams plaatsen zich voor de play-offs, waarbij de winnaar wordt gekroond tot kampioen van China.
De CBA is een belangrijke kweekvijver voor Chinees basketbaltalent. Veel van de beste Chinese spelers hebben in de CBA gespeeld, waaronder Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian en Guo Ailun. De competitie heeft ook veel internationale spelers aangetrokken, zoals Stephon Marbury, Jeremy Lin en Tracy McGrady.
De CBA-spelen worden gespeeld in een verscheidenheid aan steden in heel China, met een aantal van de meest iconische stadions van het land. De competitie is erg populair bij Chinese fans en wordt vaak uitgezonden op nationale televisie.