Yao Ming confirms Chinese Basketball Association officially backs new regional competition to rival East Asia Super League

CBA confirms its plan to support the new Rising East Asia League instead of the Super League, which it had opted out of

‘It’s a big step forward to receive the CBA’s official support … we believe China has an important role in this,’ East Asia Basketball Association official says

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Yao Ming revealed the Chinese association’s plan to support the proposed new league. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:28pm, 7 Jul 2023Updated: 5:39pm, 7 Jul 2023

The Chinese Basketball Association has for the first time given its backing to a proposed new regional competition to rival the fledgling East Asia Super League, with plans progressing to stage its finals series in Hong Kong and Macau.

Former NBA star Yao Ming, president of the CBA, said the association planned to support the Rising East Asia League, a new competition aiming to attract top clubs from Japan, South Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

In April, the Post revealed the initiative, being pushed by the East Asia Basketball Association (EABA), a subsection of Fiba Asia, chaired by Yao.

“It’s a big step forward to receive the CBA’s official support,” Vicky Wu, secretary general of EABA, said after the CBA’s decision, confirmed at its general assembly. “After months of preparation, we are clear on the vision for the formation of the new regional league.”

Zhou Peng of China’s Guangdong Southern Tigers takes on Guangzhou Loong Lions. Photo: Xinhua

Wu added that after China’s strict Covid-19 border restrictions were lifted earlier this year, the association saw greater potential for a regional league.