CBA Club Cup (China) 2025/26

The CBA Club Cup stands as a distinct mid-season tournament within Chinese basketball. Introduced for the 2024–25 campaign, it operates independently of the regular season standings. Established to mark the league's 30th anniversary, the event provides a dedicated platform for young domestic players to compete during international break windows. The competition is organized by CBA Company, the governing body’s operating entity.

The format diverges from standard league play by employing FIBA rules, including ten-minute quarters. Participants are split into four geographic groups of five teams, playing a single round-robin fixture within their section. The top two sides from each group progress to a single-elimination knockout stage comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final. This structure ensures a clear path to the championship without affecting regular-season seeding.

Shanghai Sharks secured the inaugural title in 2024–25, defeating the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the decisive match. Eric Bledsoe was named the Most Valuable Player of that final. The Sharks returned to claim the trophy in the following 2025–26 edition, beating Qingdao Doublestar with a score of 84–80. This victory made them the only two-time champions of the competition.

A significant shift occurred in the 2025–26 season with the inclusion of teams from the second-tier National Basketball League. Clubs such as Hunan Changsha Yongsheng and Hefei Kuangfeng joined the field, expanding the scope beyond the traditional twenty CBA franchises. This expansion distinguishes the Cup as a broader showcase for Chinese basketball talent, bridging the gap between the regular season and the post-season playoffs while offering additional prize money and opportunities for domestic athletes.