The Chinese Basketball Association has signed a seven-year contract with a Swiss Company to promote its domestic league.

The two sides have agreed to set up a joint venture to oversee CBA League promotion.

The CBA will appoint a deputy manager to liaise between the joint venture and local clubs.

The joint venture is also authorized to supervise TV live broadcast and program distribution.

The cooperation is the first of its kind in Chinese professional sports, aiming to bring the professional league to a new height.

(CRI May 13, 2005)