Get ready, basketball fans! The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) is turning up the heat for its 30th anniversary by introducing an all-new tournament—the CBA Club Cup—for the 2024-25 season! 🎉
Announced at a thrilling press conference on Thursday, the Club Cup is set to bring even more excitement to the court. All 20 teams are in, divided into four competitive groups. They'll battle it out in a single round-robin format, with the top two from each group advancing to a high-stakes, single-elimination knockout stage. Talk about intense! 😱
But that's not all—the Club Cup is spicing things up with some unique rules. Games will be played in four 10-minute quarters, and teams can send foreign players onto the court a total of eight times per game. Compare that to regular CBA games, which are four 12-minute quarters with foreign players limited to seven appearances. More action-packed minutes and more international talent? Yes, please! 🙌
Mark your calendars for November 2024 and February 2025, when the Club Cup competitions will light up the arenas. Cities like Qingdao and Shenzhen are vying to host, so stay tuned to find out where the buzzer-beaters will happen! 🏙️
Here’s how the groups stack up:
Group A
- Guangzhou Loong Lions
- Tianjin Pioneers
- Guangdong Southern Tigers
- Beijing Royal Fighters
- Jiangsu Dragons
Group B
- Zhejiang Golden Bulls
- Jilin Northeast Tigers
- Zhejiang Lions
- Sichuan Blue Whales
- Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin
Group C
- Shenzhen Leopards
- Shanghai Sharks
- Ningbo Rockets
- Shanxi Loongs
- Fujian Sturgeons
Group D
- Qingdao Eagles
- Liaoning Flying Leopards
- Nanjing Monkey Kings
- Beijing Ducks
- Xinjiang Flying Tigers
The CBA's 30th season is shaping up to be legendary, and we can’t wait to see who takes home the inaugural Club Cup trophy! 🏆 Who are you rooting for? Let us know! ⬇️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
