The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) unveiled its 2025-26 regular season schedule on Monday, marking a strategic shift to accommodate China's 15th National Games. The 31st season will commence on December 12, 2025 – a two-month delay from recent October starts – and conclude on April 24, 2026.
Defending champions Guangsha Lions will host the Shanxi Loongs in Hangzhou for a high-stakes opening night clash. All 20 teams will play 42 games each, facing every opponent twice and four designated rivals three times. The league's scheduling groups, designed to intensify regional rivalries, include matchups like Liaoning Flying Leopards vs. Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Beijing Ducks vs. Zhejiang Golden Bulls.
This season's restructured calendar creates new opportunities for investors eyeing China's $1.3 billion basketball market, while cultural enthusiasts can anticipate enhanced fan experiences in host cities like Shenzhen and Nanjing. Academics note the schedule alignment with China's sports development strategy ahead of key international events.
