Chinese Basketball Association


The Chinese Basketball Association, often abbreviated as the CBA, is the first-tier men's professional 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, which is a professional minor league. There is also a Women's Chinese Basketball Association.
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. Others, such as Xue Yuyang and Wang Zhelin, were chosen in the draft, but did not play 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.

Background

The CBA began play in the 1995-96 season. The league should not be confused with the Chinese Basketball Association (organisation), which was founded in June 1956 and represents the country in matters involving the sport's governing body, FIBA. Basketball in China is currently regulated by the Chinese Basketball Management Center.
Other Chinese basketball leagues include the National Basketball League, the Chinese University Basketball Association, and the Chinese High School Basketball League. At one time there was a league called the Chinese New Basketball Alliance, one of whose most prominent teams was the Beijing Sea Lions, but this venture lasted for just one winter.
The first non-Chinese player to compete in the CBA was Mihail Savinkov of Uzbekistan, who joined the Zhejiang Squirrels in the league's inaugural 1995-96 campaign. During the 1996-97 season, James Hodges became one of the first Americans to play in the CBA, and his signing by the Liaoning Hunters helped pave the way for many more imports from the United States to follow in the ensuing years.
Some other notable foreign pioneers included John Spencer, who joined the Jiangsu Dragons later in the 1996-97 campaign, and David Vanterpool, who inked a deal with the Jilin Northeast Tigers the following winter, who helped the team move up to the CBA in time for the 1998-99 season. The CBA's first international coach was American Robert Hoggard, who led the Sichuan Pandas for the last eight games of the 1997-98 campaign.

Team names

For a full list of teams, see [|Current clubs] section below. Also see :Category:Chinese Basketball Association teams.
The full name of each team usually consists of three parts, in the following order:
  1. A geographic designation. All others are province-level designations.
  2. A corporate sponsor name. This sponsor may change from year to year, and sometimes even in mid-season.
  3. A nickname, such as the name of an animal.
The presence of corporate sponsor names can occasionally lead to confusion about what name to use in English because many variants may be seen. Team names are usually abbreviated, so that either the corporate sponsor name or the nickname is used interchangeably. In addition, team nicknames can sometimes be translated into English in more than one way, and corporate sponsors tend to change frequently over time.
Nickname changes are rare, but occasionally happen, such as when the Shandong team switched from Flaming Bulls to Lions to Gold Lions to Golden Stars. Other examples include the Liaoning team dumping Hunters for Dinosaurs and then Flying Leopards -- as well as the Foshan team's evolving attempts to "Anglicize" its nickname—by going from Kylins to Dralions to Long-Lions.
In previous years, the title of the league itself was available for corporate naming sponsorship. In 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 it was known as the Hilton League, in 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 it was the Motorola League, and in 2003–2004 it was sponsored by China Unicom. These corporate league titles were not always used in the news media, however, and this sponsorship practice was discontinued at the start of the 2004–2005 season.

Current clubs

While clubs are listed by division here, the CBA does not use these designations for regular season purposes anymore, as each squad now plays each other once at home and once on the road. Divisions are used for the league's annual All-Star Game, however, and are shown here for the sake of convenience.

Timeline

This is a chronological listing of current and former CBA teams according to the season that they entered the league.

DateFormat = yyyy
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20
Period = from:1995 till:2021
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
PlotArea = right:20 left:0 bottom:50 top:5
Colors = id:barcolor value:rgb
id:line value:black
id:bg value:white
id:Full value:rgb # Full time club
id:Defunct value:rgb # Defunct club
id:Defunct2 value:rgb
PlotData =
shift:
width:15 textcolor:black shift: anchor:from fontsize:M
bar:Police color:Defunct from:1995 till:1996 text:Vanguard / Police
bar:NJArmy color:Defunct from:1995 till:1996 text:Nanjing Army
bar:NJArmy shift: color:Defunct from:1999 till:2000 text:Nanjing Army
bar:Shenyang color:Defunct from:1995 till:1998 text:Shenyang Army
bar:Shenyang color:Defunct from:2000 till:2001 text:Shenyang Army
bar:Jinan color:Defunct from:1995 till:1999 text:Jinan Army
bar:Jinan color:Defunct from:2000 till:2001 text:Jinan Army
bar:AF color:Defunct from:1995 till:1998 text:Air Force
bar:Bayi color:Defunct from:1995 till:2020 text:Bayi
bar:Beijing color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Beijing
bar:Guangdong color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Guangdong
bar:Jiangsu color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Jiangsu
bar:Liaoning color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Liaoning
bar:Shandong color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Shandong
bar:Zhejiang1 color:Full from:1995 till:end text:Zhejiang Golden Bulls
bar:Shanghai color:Full from:1996 till:end text:Shanghai
bar:Sichuan1 color:Defunct from:1996 till:1999 text:Sichuan Pandas
bar:Olympians color:Defunct from:1998 till:2004 text:Beijing Olympians
bar:Jilin color:Full from:1998 till:end text:Jilin
bar:Hubei color:Defunct from:1999 till:2000 text:Hubei Mailyard
bar:Foshan shift: color:Full from:2016 till:end text:Guangzhou
bar:Foshan color:Defunct from:2010 till:2016 text:Foshan
bar:Foshan color:Defunct from:2001 till:2010 text:Shaanxi
bar:Shenzhen color:Defunct from:2001 till:2002 text:Shenzhen Yikang
bar:SinaLions color:Defunct from:2001 till:2003 text:Sina Lions
bar:HongKong color:Defunct from:2002 till:2003 text: Hong Kong
bar:Xinjiang color:Full from:2002 till:end text:Xinjiang
bar:Fujian color:Full from:2004 till:end text:Fujian
bar:Shanxi color:Full from:2006 till:end text:Shanxi
bar:Shanxi shift: color:Defunct from:2004 till:2006 text:Henan
bar:Yunnan color:Defunct from:2004 till:2009 text:Yunnan
bar:Dongguan shift: color:Full from:2015 till:end text:Shenzhen Leopards
bar:Dongguan color:Defunct from:2005 till:2015 text:Dongguan
bar:Zhejiang2 color:Full from:2006 till:end text:Zhejiang Guangsha Lions
bar:Qingdao color:Full from:2008 till:end text:Qingdao
bar:Tianjin color:Full from:2008 till:end text:Tianjin
bar:Sichuan2 color:Full from:2013 till:end text:Sichuan Blue Whales
bar:Chongqing color:Full from:2015 till:end text:Beikong
bar:Chongqing shift: color:Defunct from:2014 till:2015 text:Chongqing
bar:Tongxi color:Full from:2015 till:end text:Nanjing
bar:Tongxi shift: color:Defunct from:2014 till:2017 text:Tongxi

bar:Ningbo shift: color:Full from:2021 till:end text:Ningbo
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:3 start:1995

Finals

In 2005, the league unveiled the Mou Zuoyun Cup, which was awarded for the first time to the winning team in the CBA Finals. Mou Zuoyun was a member of the Chinese men's national basketball team which competed at the 1936 Summer Olympics, and he later served as a coach and a pioneer in building Chinese basketball.
SeasonChampionsResultRunners-upFinals MVPNotesWinning team coach
1995–96Bayi Rockets2–0Guangdong Southern TigersHome-and-away series used for two seasonsWang Fei
1996–97Bayi Rockets2–0Liaoning HuntersWang Fei
1997–98Bayi Rockets3–0Liaoning HuntersBest-of-five series used for eight seasonsWang Fei
1998–99Bayi Rockets3–0Liaoning HuntersWang Fei
1999–00Bayi Rockets3–0Shanghai SharksWang Zhizhi Zhang Bin
2000–01Bayi Rockets3–1Shanghai SharksYao Ming Wang Fei
2001–02Shanghai Sharks3–1Bayi RocketsLiu Yudong Li Qiuping
2002–03Bayi Rockets3–1Guangdong Southern TigersLiu Yudong Adiljan Suleyman
2003–04Guangdong Southern Tigers3–1Bayi RocketsDu Feng Li Chunjiang
2004–05Guangdong Southern Tigers3–2Jiangsu DragonsZhu Fangyu Li Chunjiang
2005–06Guangdong Southern Tigers4–1Bayi RocketsYi Jianlian Best-of-seven series used since 2005–06Li Chunjiang
2006–07Bayi Rockets4–1Guangdong Southern TigersWang Zhizhi Adiljan Suleyman
2007–08Guangdong Southern Tigers4–1Liaoning HuntersZhu Fangyu Li Chunjiang
2008–09Guangdong Southern Tigers4–1Xinjiang Flying TigersZhu Fangyu Li Chunjiang
2009–10Guangdong Southern Tigers4–1Xinjiang Flying TigersZhu Fangyu Li Chunjiang
2010–11Guangdong Southern Tigers4–2Xinjiang Flying TigersWang Shipeng Li Chunjiang
2011–12Beijing Ducks4–1Guangdong Southern TigersLee Hsueh-lin Min Lulei
2012–13Guangdong Southern Tigers4–0Shandong Gold LionsYi JianlianDu Feng
Jonas Kazlauskas
2013–14Beijing Ducks4–2Xinjiang Flying TigersRandolph Morris Min Lulei
2014–15Beijing Ducks4–2Liaoning Flying LeopardsStephon Marbury Min Lulei
2015–16Sichuan Blue Whales4–1Liaoning Flying LeopardsHamed Haddadi Yang Xuezeng
2016–17Xinjiang Flying Tigers4–0Guangdong Southern TigersDarius Adams Li Qiuping
2017–18Liaoning Flying Leopards4–0Zhejiang Guangsha LionsLester Hudson Guo Shiqiang
2018–19Guangdong Southern Tigers4–0Xinjiang Flying TigersYi Jianlian Du Feng
2019–20Guangdong Southern Tigers2–1Liaoning Flying LeopardsSonny Weems Best-of-three series due to the COVID-19 pandemicDu Feng
2020–21Guangdong Southern Tigers2–1Liaoning Flying LeopardsHu Mingxuan Best-of-three series due to the COVID-19 pandemicDu Feng
2021–22Liaoning Flying Leopards4–0Zhejiang Guangsha LionsZhao Jiwei Best-of-seven series returnsYang Ming
2022–23Liaoning Flying Leopards4–0Zhejiang Golden BullsZhao Jiwei Yang Ming
2023–24Liaoning Flying Leopards4–0Xinjiang Flying TigersKyle Fogg Yang Ming
2024–25Zhejiang Lions4–2Beijing DucksBarry Brown Jr. Wang Bo

Finals appearances

This is a list of the teams which have advanced to the CBA Finals and the overall win–loss records they have registered in the Championship Series.
TotalTeamTitleRunners-up
16Guangdong Southern Tigers115
11Bayi Rockets83
12Liaoning Flying Leopards48
4Beijing Ducks31
7Xinjiang Flying Tigers16
3Shanghai Sharks12
3Zhejiang Guangsha Lions12
1Sichuan Blue Whales10
1Jiangsu Dragons01
1Shandong Gold Lions01
1Zhejiang Golden Bulls01

Awards

The CBA Most Valuable Player award is presented to the league's best player in a given CBA season. Since the 2012–13 campaign, two awards have been handed out each year, Domestic MVP and International MVP. The rules for the selection of the MVP in the regular season are: the number of games must reach 28 or more; The comprehensive score of individual technical indicators ranks among the best; The team won the top three in the regular season. At the conclusion of each season, the CBA Finals MVP award is bestowed upon the most outstanding player in that year's championship series.
Each campaign's scoring leader is also recognized on an annual basis and the league maintains a list of single game, single season, and career record holders in various statistical categories. Furthermore, a CBA All-Star Game MVP award is given to the player deemed to have the most impactful performance in the league's annual mid-season exhibition contest.
The CBA Best Defender award is presented to the league's most hard-skilled and efficient defender in a given season of the CBA.

Scoring leaders

The CBA's highest single season scoring average, depending on how many games are required to be recognized as a statistical qualifier, is either 43.1 points per game by Jordan Crawford, who played in 26 of Tianjin's 38 games in 2015–16, or 42.0 points per game by Jonathan Gibson, who played in 36 of Qingdao's 38 games in 2015–16.

Records

This is a list of individual records separated into two categories — career records and single game records.
Records last updated and confirmed on March 13, 2019, the final day of the 2018–19 CBA regular season.

Notable players

Listed below are some of the most accomplished Chinese players who have competed in the CBA. Time spent with teams in lower leagues before they joined the CBA, or after they left the CBA, cannot be counted as CBA seasons. Notes will be made of such service below a player's CBA information.

Domestic players from the CBA who have participated in the NBA Summer League

''Note: The Red Squad of the Chinese National Team toured the United States and played several NBA Summer League teams during the 2018 NBA Summer League season while the combined Chinese National Team did likewise during the 2019 NBA Summer League season.''

Domestic players from the CBA who are known for league or national team exploits

Du Feng ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12Gong Xiaobin ~ Shandong Flaming Bulls 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03Guo Ailun ~ Liaoning Dinosaurs/Flying Leopards 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Guo Shiqiang ~ Liaoning Hunters 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05Han Dejun ~ Liaoning Hunters/Dinosaurs/Flying Leopards 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Hu Weidong ~ Jiangsu Dragons 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04Hu Xuefeng ~ Jiangsu Dragons 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17Li Gen ~ Shanghai Sharks 2008–09, 2009–10, Qingdao Eagles 2010–11, 2011–12, Beijing Ducks 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, Shanghai Sharks 2019–20Li Nan ~ Bayi Rockets 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09Li Xiaoxu ~ Liaoning Hunters/Dinosaurs/Flying Leopards 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Liu Yudong ~ Bayi Rockets 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, Fujian Xunxing 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10Shang Ping ~ Beijing Ducks 2009–10, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2010–11, 2011–12, Qingdao Eagles 2012–13, Tianjin Gold Lions 2014–15, 2015–16Sun Jun ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06Sun Mingming ~ Beijing Ducks 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12Tang Zhengdong ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, Foshan Long-Lions 2015–16, Jiangsu Tongxi/Nanjing Monkey Kings 2016–17, 2017–18Wang Shipeng ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16Zhai Xiaochuan ~ Beijing Ducks 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Zhang Qingpeng ~ Liaoning Hunters/Dinosaurs 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2010–11, Liaoning Flying Leopards 2011–12, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2012–13, 2013–14, Beijing Ducks 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, Qingdao Eagles 2017–18, 2018–19, Shandong Heroes 2019–20Zhao Tailong ~ Fujian Xunxing/Sturgeons 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, Qingdao Eagles 2019–20Zhou Peng ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19Zhu Fangyu ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17

Foreign imports

Listed below are some of the most accomplished foreign imports who have competed in the CBA. Players must appear in at least one game for the team to receive credit for a season. Someone who signs a contract but never steps on the court does not count.
As of early 2024, over 100 basketball professionals from the United States, Europe, and Australia work in the CBA.

Policy

Every team can register up to four foreign players per season. During the regular season, the policy of four foreign players on the field for four quarters and four times per game is adopted, while the team ranked in the bottom four last season may adopt the policy of four foreign players for four quarters and five times per game. During the playoffs, all teams will adopt a four-player four-period four-times policy for foreign players

Non-Chinese players who spent 5 or more seasons in the CBA

Zaid Abbas ~ Shanghai Sharks 2009–10, Beijing Ducks 2010–11, Fujian Sturgeons 2011–12, Shandong Gold Lions 2012–13, Tianjin Gold Lions 2013–14, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2014–15, Tongxi Monkey Kings 2016–17, Beikong Fly Dragons 2017–18Josh Akognon ~ Dongguan Leopards 2010–11, 2011–12, Liaoning Flying Leopards 2012–13, Qingdao Eagles 2013–14, Foshan Long-Lions 2014–15, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2015–16Levan Alston Sr. ~ Beijing Ducks 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2001–02, Shandong Flaming Bulls 2002–03Andray Blatche ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, Tianjin Gold Lions 2018–19MarShon Brooks ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2018–19, 2019–20Dwight Buycks ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2014–15, Fujian Sturgeons 2015–16, 2016–17, Shenzhen Leopards/Aviators 2018–19, 2019–20Ike Diogu ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2012–13, Dongguan Leopards 2014–15, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2015–16, Tongxi Monkey Kings 2016–17, Sichuan Blue Whales 2017–18Jason Dixon ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09Jamaal Franklin ~ Guangsha Lions 2014–15, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2015–16, 2016–17, Sichuan Blue Whales 2017–18, 2018–19, Shanxi Loongs 2019–20Charles Gaines ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2009–10, Qingdao Eagles 2010–11, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2014–15, 2015–16Jonathan Gibson ~ Guangsha Lions 2013–14, Qingdao Eagles 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, Jiangsu Dragons 2019–20Rod Gregoire ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06Hamed Haddadi ~ Sichuan Blue Whales 2013–14, Qingdao Eagles 2014–15, Sichuan Blue Whales 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2018–19, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2019–20Mike Harris ~ Dongguan Leopards 2007–08, 2008–09, Shanghai Sharks 2010–11, 2011–12, Jiangsu Dragons 2012–13, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2013–14, Qingdao Eagles 2014–15, Sichuan Blue Whales 2015–16, 2016–17, Fujian Sturgeons 2017–18Donnell Harvey ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2008–09, 2009–10, Tianjin Gold Lions 2011–12, 2012–13, Shandong Gold Lions 2013–14Eli Holman ~ Guangsha Lions 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, Tianjin Gold Lions 2017–18, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2019–20Lester Hudson ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2010–11, Qingdao Eagles 2011–12, Dongguan Leopards 2012–13, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2013–14, Liaoning Flying Leopards 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, Shandong Heroes 2019–20Eugene "Pooh" Jeter ~ Shandong Gold Lions/Golden Stars 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, Tianjin Gold Lions 2016–17, 2017–18, Fujian Sturgeons 2018–19, 2019–20Dominique Jones ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2013–14, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2014–15, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2015–16, Qingdao Eagles 2016–17, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2017–18, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2018–19, 2019–20Stephon Marbury ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2009–10, Foshan Dralions 2010–11, Beijing Ducks 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, Beikong Fly Dragons 2017–18Will McDonald ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, Tongxi Monkey Kings 2014–15, Jiangsu Dragons 2015–16Randolph Morris ~ Beijing Ducks 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17Olumide Oyedeji ~ Beijing Ducks 2003–04, 2004–05, 2007–08, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2008–09, Liaoning Dinosaurs 2009–10, Qingdao Eagles 2011–12Peter John Ramos ~ Guangsha Lions 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, Qingdao Eagles 2013–14, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2015–16Shavlik Randolph ~ Dongguan Leopards 2011–12, Foshan Dralions 2012–13, 2013–14, Liaoning Flying Leopards 2015–16, 2016–17, Beikong Fly Dragons 2017–18, 2018–19Sani Sakakini ~ Qingdao Eagles 2011–12, 2013–14, Tongxi Monkey Kings 2015–16, Tianjin Gold Lions 2016–17, Guangzhou Long-Lions 2017–18, Beikong Royal Fighters 2019–20Soumaila Samake ~ Zhejiang Cyclones 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2008–09, 2009–10God Shammgod ~ Zhejiang Cyclones 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2006–07Von Wafer ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2012–13, Shanghai Sharks 2013–14, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2014–15, Tongxi Monkey Kings 2015–16, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2017–18Jameel Watkins ~ Fujian Xunxing 2007–08, Jiangsu Dragons 2008–09, 2009–10, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2010–11, 2011–12Rodney White ~ Guangsha Lions 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, Shandong Gold Lions 2010–11, Guangsha Lions 2011–12Marcus E. Williams ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2009–10, 2010–11, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2015–16

Non-Chinese players who spent 2 to 4 seasons in the CBA

George Ackles ~ Shanghai Sharks 2000–01, Beijing Ducks 2001–02Darius Adams ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, Qingdao Eagles 2019–20Myron Allen ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2008–09, 2009–10, Shandong Gold Lions 2010–11Gilbert Arenas ~ Shanghai Sharks 2012–13, 2013–14Samad Nikkhah Bahrami ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2013–14, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2015–16, Guangzhou Long-Lions 2016–17, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2017–18Brandon Bass ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Esteban Batista ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2015–16, 2016–17Michael Beasley ~ Shanghai Sharks 2014–15, Shandong Golden Stars 2015–16, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2018–19Jerrelle Benimon ~ Foshan Long-Lions 2015–16, Qingdao Eagles 2016–17Josh Boone ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13Ioannis Bourousis ~ Guangsha Lions 2017–18, 2018–19Denzel Bowles ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2013–14, 2014–15Bobby Brown ~ Dongguan/Shenzhen Leopards 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, Shanxi Loongs 2018–19Ernest Brown ~ Liaoning Hunters 2004–05, 2006–07Jabari Brown ~ Foshan Long-Lions 2015–16, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2016–17, Jiangsu Dragons 2017–18Lorenzo Brown ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2016–17, Guangzhou Long-Lions 2018–19Will Bynum ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2014–15, 2015–16Babacar Camara ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2005–06, 2006–07Alex Carcamo ~ Shenzhen Yikang 2000–01, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2001–02Lorenzo Coleman ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2003–04, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07Peter Cornell ~ Zhejiang Cyclones 2003–04, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2004–05Jordan Crawford ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2014–15, Tianjin Gold Lions 2015–16, Sichuan Blue Whales 2018–19Brandon Crump ~ Shaanxi Kylins 2005–06, 2006–07Osama "Sam" Daghles ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2011–12, Tianjin Gold Lions 2012–13, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2013–14Samuel Dalembert ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2015–16, 2016–17Chris Daniels ~ Qingdao Eagles 2012–13, Liaoning Flying Leopards 2013–14, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2014–15Marcus Denmon ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2018–19, 2019–20Justin Dentmon ~ Qingdao Eagles 2014–15, Sichuan Blue Whales 2015–16, Shandong Golden Stars 2016–17Carlos Dixon ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2005–06, 2006–07Quincy Douby ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2010–11, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2012–13, Shanghai Sharks 2013–14, Tianjin Gold Lions 2014–15Marcus Douthit ~ Foshan Dralions 2011–12, 2012–13Michael Efevberha ~ Sichuan Blue Whales 2013–14, 2014–15Ed Elisma ~ Shandong Lions 2003–04, Henan Dragons 2004–05LeRon Ellis ~ Beijing Olympians 1999–00, 2001–02Andre Emmett ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2009–10, Fujian Sturgeons 2010–11Rony Fahed ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2009–10, 2011–12Kay Felder ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2018–19, 2019–20Kyle Fogg ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2017–18, 2018–19, Beikong Royal Fighters 2019–20Alton Ford ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2004–05, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2009–10Ryan Forehan-Kelly ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2004–05, 2007–08, Shanghai Sharks 2011–12Courtney Fortson ~ Guangsha Lions 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, Sichuan Blue Whales 2019–20Jimmer Fredette ~ Shanghai Sharks 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19Andrew Goudelock ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2015–16, Shandong Golden Stars 2018–19Terrance Green ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2005–06, 2006–07Martin Green-Werscott ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2004–05, 2007–08Marcus Haislip ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2010–11, Foshan Dralions 2011–12, Dongguan Leopards 2012–13, Jiangsu Dragons 2013–14Simeon Haley ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05Justin Hamilton ~ Beijing Ducks 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Tyler Hansbrough ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2017–18, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2018–19, Sichuan Blue Whales 2019–20David Harrison ~ Beijing Ducks 2008–09, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2009–10, 2010–11, Tianjin Gold Lions 2011–12Stephen Hart ~ Shanghai Sharks 2001–02, Jiangsu Dragons 2002–03Chris Herren ~ Beijing Ducks 2002–03, Jiangsu Dragons 2003–04J.J. Hickson ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2016–17, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2017–18James Hodges ~ Liaoning Hunters 1996–97, Jiangsu Dragons 1997–98, Liaoning Hunters 1998–99, 1999–00Othello Hunter ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2011–12, Jiangsu Dragons 2012–13Aaron Jackson ~ Beijing Ducks 2017–18, 2018–19, Guangsha Lions 2019–20Darnell Jackson ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2012–13, Shanghai Sharks 2013–14Pierre Jackson ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2018–19, Shenzhen Aviators 2019–20Bernard James ~ Shanghai Sharks 2014–15, 2015–16Chris Johnson ~ Guangsha Lions 2013–14, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2014–15Dakari Johnson ~ Qingdao Eagles 2018–19, 2019–20Ivan Johnson ~ Qingdao Eagles 2011–12, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2013–14Dwayne Jones ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2010–11, Guangsha Lions 2011–12Garth Joseph ~ Shaanxi Kylins 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04, 2004–05Mehdi Kamrani ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2014–15, Beikong Fly Dragons 2015–16, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2016–17Fadi El Khatib ~ Foshan Long-Lions 2014–15, Fujian Sturgeons 2015–16Maciej Lampe ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2016–17, Qingdao Eagles 2017–18, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2018–19Ty Lawson ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2017–18, 2018–19, Fujian Sturgeons 2019–20Justin Love ~ Beijing Olympians 2002–03, 2003–04John Lucas III ~ Shanghai Sharks 2009–10, 2010–11, Fujian Sturgeons 2014–15Michael Madanly ~ Foshan Dralions 2011–12, 2012–13, Qingdao Eagles 2013–14, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2014–15James Mays ~ Beijing Ducks 2009–10, Qingdao Eagles 2017–18, Shandong Heroes 2019–20Jelani McCoy ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2004–05, Guangsha Lions 2008–09, Fujian Xunxing 2009–10Errick McCollum ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2014–15, Beikong Fly Dragons 2016–17Nick Minnerath ~ Shanghai Sharks 2017–18, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2018–19Gabe Muoneke ~ Beijing Olympians 2003–04, Guangsha Lions 2006–07, Yunnan Bulls 2008–09Donatas Motiejūnas ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2017–18, 2018–19, Shanghai Sharks 2019–20Shabazz Muhammad ~ Shanxi Loongs 2018–19, Shenzhen Aviators 2019–20Lamond Murray ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09Anthony Myles ~ Dongguan Leopards 2005–06, 2006–07Hamady N'Diaye ~ Foshan Dralions 2011–12, Tianjin Gold Lions 2012–13Andrew Nicholson ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2017–18, Fujian Sturgeons 2018–19, Guangzhou Loong-Lions 2019–20Reggie Okosa ~ Shanghai Sharks 2005–06, 2006–07, Qingdao Eagles 2009–10, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2013–14Jeremy Pargo ~ Guangsha Lions 2015–16, Shenzhen Leopards 2016–17, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2017–18Smush Parker ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2008–09, 2009–10Tim Pickett ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2008–09, Shaanxi Kylins 2009–10, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2010–11, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12Chris Porter ~ Fujian Xunxing 2005–06, 2006–07Josh Powell ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2011–12, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2013–14A.J. Price ~ Shanghai Sharks 2015–16, Shandong Golden Stars 2016–17Laron Profit ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2002–03, 2003–04Miroslav Raduljica ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2014–15, Jiangsu Dragons 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20Andre Reid ~ Liaoning Hunters 1998–99, 2000–01, 2001–02Kit Rhymer ~ Henan Dragons 2005–06, Fujian Xunxing 2006–07Thomas Robinson ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2018–19, Sichuan Blue Whales 2019–20Leon Rodgers ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2008–09, 2009–10, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2010–11, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2013–14Alex Scales ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2002–03, Shanghai Sharks 2004–05Luis Scola ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2017–18, Shanghai Sharks 2018–19Shawnelle Scott ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2003–04, Jilin Northeast Tigers 2004–05Garret Siler ~ Shanghai Sharks 2009–10, Jiangsu Dragons 2012–13James Singleton ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2010–11, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2011–12, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2012–13, 2013–14Donald Sloan ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, Jiangsu Dragons 2018–19Russ Smith ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2017–18, 2018–19Dewarick Spencer ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2012–13, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2013–14John Spencer ~ Jiangsu Dragons 1996–97, Sichuan Pandas 1997–98Jarnell Stokes ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2017–18, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2018–19, 2019–20Mark Strickland ~ Zhejiang Cyclones 2002–03, 2003–04Damon Stringer ~ Shanghai Sharks 2000–01, Shaanxi Kylins 2001–02Jared Sullinger ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2017–18, 2018–19Roy Tarpley ~ Beijing Olympians 2000–01, 2001–02Dajuan Tate ~ Fujian Xunxing 2007–08, Shanghai Sharks 2008–09, Dongguan Leopards 2009–10Sebastian Telfair ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2013–14, Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2014–15, Fujian Sturgeons 2016–17Malcolm Thomas ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2016–17, Shanxi Loongs 2019–20Jason Thompson ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2016–17, Sichuan Blue Whales 2018–19, Beikong Royal Fighters 2019–20Mack Tuck ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2004–05, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09Jeremy Tyler ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2014–15, Fujian Sturgeons 2015–16, Tianjin Gold Lions 2016–17Jackson Vroman ~ Dongguan Leopards 2010–11, Jiangsu Dragons 2011–12, Shandong Gold Lions 2012–13, Jiangsu Dragons 2013–14Willie Warren ~ Chongqing Fly Dragons 2014–15, Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2015–16, 2016–17, Shanxi Brave Dragons 2017–18Sonny Weems ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2017–18, Guangdong Southern Tigers 2018–19, 2019–20Delonte West ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2013–14, Shanghai Sharks 2014–15D.J. White ~ Shanghai Sharks 2012–13, Sichuan Blue Whales 2013–14, Fujian Sturgeons 2014–15Shelden Williams ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2013–14, 2014–15Guerschon Yabusele ~ Shanghai Sharks 2016–17, Nanjing Monkey Kings 2019–20Joe Young ~ Nanjing Monkey Kings 2018–19, 2019–20

Non-Chinese players for whom 2019–20 is their 1st season in the CBA

Antonio Blakeney ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2019–20Dante Cunningham ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2019–20Kenneth Faried ~ Guangsha Lions 2019–20Marcus Georges-Hunt ~ Guangzhou Loong-Lions 2019–20Erick Green ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2019–20Sylven Landesberg ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2019–20Jeremy Lin ~ Beijing Ducks 2019–20Jarell Martin ~ Shenzhen Aviators 2019–20Ray McCallum Jr. ~ Shanghai Sharks 2019–20Eric Mika ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2019–20Eric Moreland ~ Shanxi Loongs 2019–20James Nunnally ~ Shanghai Sharks 2019–20Miles Plumlee ~ Guangsha Lions 2019–20Chasson Randle ~ Tianjin Pioneers 2019–20Jalen Reynolds ~ Guangsha Lions 2019–20Lance Stephenson ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2019–20Amar'e Stoudemire ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2019–20Keifer Sykes ~ Guangzhou Loong-Lions 2019–20Marko Todorovic ~ Tianjin Pioneers 2019–20Ekpe Udoh ~ Beijing Ducks 2019–20Dez Wells ~ Guangsha Lions 2019–20Behnam Yakhchali ~ Nanjing Monkey Kings 2019–20

Other Non-Chinese players who spent only 1 season in the CBA

Josh Adams ~ Shanxi Loongs 2018–19Jeff Adrien ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2014–15Cole Aldrich ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2018–19Alan Anderson ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2011–12Wael Arakji ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2017–18Isaiah Austin ~ Nanjing Monkey Kings 2018–19Corey Benjamin ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2004–05David Benoit ~ Shanghai Sharks 2001–02Ben Bentil ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2016–17DeJuan Blair ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2016–17Ryan Boatright ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2016–17Carlos Boozer ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2016–17Kenny Boynton ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2018–19Aaron Brooks ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2011–12Andre Brown ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2009–10Dee Brown ~ Qingdao Eagles 2010–11Rodney Carney ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2011–12Justin Carter ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2015–16Wilson Chandler ~ Guangsha Lions 2011–12Semaj Christon ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2017–18Earl Clark ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2014–15Keith Closs ~ Yunnan Bulls 2008–09Norris Cole ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2016–17Mardy Collins ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2011–12Brandon Costner ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2014–15Bryce Cotton ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2015–16Jared Cunningham ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2016–17Eddy Curry ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2012–13Ricky Davis ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2010–11Malcolm Delaney ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2018–19Toney Douglas ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2014–15Jerome Dyson ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2018–19Jarrid Famous ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2015–16Gerald Fitch ~ Foshan Dralions 2013–14Gary Forbes ~ Guangsha Lions 2012–13Steve Francis ~ Beijing Ducks 2010–11Dan Gadzuric ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2011–12Sundiata Gaines ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2012–13Yancy Gates ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2015–16Archie Goodwin ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2018–19Gerald Green ~ Foshan Dralions 2011–12Donté Greene ~ Dongguan Leopards 2013–14Al Harrington ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2014–15Scotty Hopson ~ Foshan Long-Lions 2015–16Royal Ivey ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2013–14Edwin Jackson ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2017–18Al Jefferson ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2018–19Cory Jefferson ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2018–19Brandon Jennings ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2017–18Grant Jerrett ~ Beijing Ducks 2016–17DerMarr Johnson ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2009–10Solomon Jones ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2012–13Terrence Jones ~ Qingdao Eagles 2017–18Jerome Jordan ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2015–16Arsalan Kazemi ~ Chongqing Fly Dragons 2014–15D.J. Kennedy ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2016–17Alex Kirk ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2016–17Viacheslav Kravtsov ~ Foshan Long-Lions 2014–15Cady Lalanne ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2016–17Carl Landry ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2017–18Keith Langford ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2017–18Priest Lauderdale ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2008–09Gani Lawal ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12Ricky Ledo ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2018–19Augusto Lima ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2017–18Shawn Long ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2017–18Cartier Martin ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 2011–12Kenyon Martin ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12Loukas Mavrokefalidis ~ Qingdao Eagles 2016–17Jason Maxiell ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2015–16Chris McCullough ~ Shanxi Loongs 2018–19Tracy McGrady ~ Qingdao Eagles 2012–13Dominic McGuire ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2015–16Jerel McNeal ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2013–14Patty Mills ~ Xinjiang Flying Tigers 2011–12Jérôme Moïso ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2010–11J'mison Morgan ~ Chongqing Fly Dragons 2014–15Liam McMorrow ~ Tongxi Monkey Kings 2015–16Darius Morris ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2017–18Arnett Moultrie ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2014–15Emmanuel Mudiay ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2014–15Xavier Munford ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2018–19Kevin Murphy ~ Guangsha Lions 2014–15Greg Oden ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2015–16Daniel Orton ~ Sichuan Blue Whales 2014–15Arinze Onuaku ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2017–18Brandon Paul ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2018–19Adreian Payne ~ Nanjing Monkey Kings 2018–19Doron Perkins ~ Foshan Dralions 2012–13Imad Qahwash ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2012–13Tyrese Rice ~ Shenzhen Leopards 2017–18Anthony Roberson ~ Fujian Sturgeons 2011–12Taylor Rochestie ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2018–19JaKarr Sampson ~ Shandong Golden Stars 2018–19Samardo Samuels ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2016–17Henry Sims ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2016–17Josh Smith ~ Sichuan Blue Whales 2016–17J.R. Smith ~ Zhejiang Golden Bulls 2011–12Marreese Speights ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2018–19Alex Stepheson ~ Guangzhou Long-Lions 2016–17Saulius Štombergas ~ Shanghai Sharks 1996–97Stromile Swift ~ Shandong Gold Lions 2009–10Maurice Taylor ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2009–10Lance Thomas ~ Foshan Dralions 2013–14Deon Thompson ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2014–15Marcus Thornton ~ Beijing Ducks 2017–18David Vanterpool ~ Jilin Northeast Tigers 1998–99Casper Ware ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2015–16Hakim Warrick ~ Liaoning Flying Leopards 2013–14Bonzi Wells ~ Shanxi Brave Dragons 2008–09Damien Wilkins ~ Beijing Ducks 2013–14Alan Williams ~ Qingdao Eagles 2015–16Marcus D. Williams ~ Jiangsu Dragons 2011–12Derrick Williams ~ Tianjin Gold Lions 2017–18Metta World Peace ~ Sichuan Blue Whales 2014–15Dorell Wright ~ Beikong Fly Dragons 2015–16Khalif Wyatt ~ Guangdong Southern Tigers 2013–14

Politics

On October 4, 2019, the Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey issued a tweet in support of the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests. Morey's tweet resulted in the Chinese Basketball Association's suspension of its relationship with the Houston Rockets and China Central Television's removal of all NBA games from its broadcast schedule until further notice.