The Chinese Basketball Association ’s first chief executive officer Wang Dawei has left his post after just 14 months in the job citing “personal reasons”. The CBA confirmed the shock news on its official website on Sunday with a 23-word statement which read simply: “On the evening of July 18, 2020, CBA received Wang Dawei’s resignation from the position of CEO of CBA due to ‘personal reasons’.” Wang was installed as the league’s CEO in May last year after receiving the backing of Chinese basketball kingmaker Yao Ming, the chairman of the association. Wang was brought in and handed the task of improving the brand’s image, as well as its engagement with fans, and to introduce a long-term business plan for the league, which has grown in popularity in recent years. ‘Champions League of Asian basketball’ – why the East Asia Super League aims to build local heroes and regional rivalries The league is currently finishing up a Covid 19-affected campaign before the start of its play-offs on July 30. Wang played a crucial role in getting the league up and running again last month and his resignation has come as a surprise. Wang was previously the senior vice-president and chief marketing officer of NBA China for over 10 years before taking up his role with the CBA. The league had already enjoyed a boost in its viewership over the last 12 months since the marquee signing of reigning NBA champion Jeremy Lin , who is currently on the roster of the Beijing Ducks. One-armed basketball teen Zhang Jiacheng visits CBA champions Guangdong Southern Tigers At the time of his hiring last year, Yao said, “I firmly believe that Mr Wang, with his rich experience, unique conviction and innovative thinking, will further enhance the influence of the CBA in various fields, continuously improving the CBA brand value.”