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)