The CBA, the Chinese Basketball Association, was established in June 1956. It withdrew from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), but was reinstated in 1974.
It is a non-governmental organization in charge of basketball at national level. The China Basketball Administration Center, a sub-division of the CBA, takes responsibility for promoting the sport in China.
After the introduction of some reforms in 1994, the first CBA league was launched the following year, with 12 teams participating.
By 2000, there were 43 men's and 42 women's teams registered with them, and the total number of players had reached 998. The advent of the CBA league represented a giant step forward in the development of professional basketball in China. In 1989, the first club, sponsored by Anshan Steel Company, was founded in Shenyang. By 2000, the number of professional clubs registered under the CBA had reached 29.
2004 CBA Regular Season Ranking
Team Wins Losses
Guangdong Southern Tigers 19 3
Jiangsu Nangang Dragons 15 7
Bayi Shuanglu Rockets 14 8
Jilin Northeast Tigers 13 9
Xinjiang Flying Tigers 12 10
Shangdong Jinsidun Lions 10 12
Beijing Aoshen Olympians 10 12
Shaanxi Gaitianli Kylins 9 13
Liaoning Panpan Hunters 9 13
Shanghai Dongfang Sharks 8 14
Beijing Shougang Ducks 7 15
Zhejiang Wanma Cyclones 6 16
2004 Playoffs
Quarters Semis Finals Semis Quarters
Guangdong Jiangsu
Shaanxi Beijing Aoshen
Guangdong Jiangsu
Guangdong
Bayi
Jilin Bayi
Jilin Bayi
Xinjiang Shangdong
(China.org.cn January 26, 2005)
