The Chinese Basketball League (CBL), formed from what used to be
Division B’s class 1 and class 2, was launched by the CBA in 2005.
The establishment of the CBL aimed to better integrate current
players, further improve the development of the association and
promote local basketball's professionalism and club building.
14 local teams participated in the first regular season of the
CBL in April 22-28, 2004. Eight of them progressed to the playoffs.
They were Yunnan Honghe, Yingkou Donghua, Hebei Jidong, Sichuan
Shidai Bingchuan, Shanxi Yujin, Heilongjiang Daqing, Gongguan
Xinshiji, and Tianjin.
On August 4, Yunnan Honghe won their 13th straight game to take
the CBL championship and cruise to the top CBA league this
year.?
(China.org.cn January 26, 2005)
