A New Era for Chinese Basketball
Starting with the 2026‑27 season, the Chinese Basketball Association will bring back a promotion and relegation system, joining forces with the National Basketball League to form a two‑tier competition. The move is designed to reshape the structure of professional basketball in China and to create a clearer pathway between the elite and the second division.
Under the new format, the four lowest‑ranked CBA teams will contest a play‑off against the four highest‑ranked NBL sides. The five winners of that tournament will secure CBA licences for the following season, ensuring that at least one NBL club moves up to the top flight.
The initiative builds on recent on‑court drama, such as Hong Kong Bulls' triumph in April, which marked their third consecutive NBL title. Their success underscores the competitive balance that the league hopes to preserve through the new system.
Organisers envision a 22‑team top tier in the long term, a figure that reflects both the growing popularity of basketball in the region and the desire to expand opportunities for emerging clubs. The play‑off structure will be applied at the end of each season, creating a continuous cycle of promotion and relegation.
The merger and the reinstated pyramid system are being overseen by the Chinese Basketball Association and the National Basketball League, both of which have confirmed their official websites as cba.com.cn and nbl.com.cn respectively. The collaboration marks a significant step in unifying the sport's governance across the two divisions.