Hangzhou Team Wins Zhejiang Basketball Association (BA) Championship | Updates & G4 Tickets

Hangzhou has emerged victorious in the 2025 Zhejiang Basketball Association (ZBA) tournament, claiming the championship title. The win marks the culmination of a competition that began in July 2025 and extended through February 2026, encompassing both a “Hundred Counties Battle” qualifying stage and a subsequent playoff bracket featuring county-level champion teams and municipal squads.

The path to the championship wasn’t without its drama. Lishui team provided a significant challenge, securing a 59-58 victory over Hangzhou in the third game of the finals, injecting renewed suspense into the competition. This victory followed a nail-biting finish, with Ni Haikai of Lishui hitting a buzzer-beating shot to reverse the outcome. The series demonstrated the competitive spirit and rising talent within Zhejiang province’s amateur basketball scene.

The ZBA, as highlighted by China national team player Hu Jinqiu, is “incredibly electric and full of passion.” Jinqiu expressed his support for Hangzhou prior to a China Basketball Warm-up Match, underscoring the growing prominence and excitement surrounding the league. The tournament’s grassroots focus, prohibiting participation from players with experience in professional leagues like the National Professional League, CUBA Division I, or overseas leagues, ensures a platform for amateur experts to showcase their skills.

The structure of the ZBA is designed to foster broad participation. The initial “Hundred Counties Battle” phase, held in July, determined 11 champion teams, each representing their respective city. These champion teams then formed the core of larger municipal squads, integrating players from other counties, cities, and districts within their region. From August 8, 2025, through February 2026, these 11 county-level champions and 11 municipal gangs competed for the ultimate prize.

The league’s schedule strategically incorporated weekend and statutory holiday games, alongside themed event days designed to maximize engagement and excitement. This approach aimed to create a consistent and captivating experience for fans throughout the extended tournament duration.

The Zhejiang BA isn’t simply a basketball tournament. it’s positioned as a significant amateur sporting event within the province. The involvement of prominent figures like swimming Olympic champions Wang Shun and Pan Zhanle, world champion Fu Yuanhui, basketball legend Zheng Wu, and Zhejiang Chouzhou Men’s Basketball Team Captain Wu Qian, demonstrates the league’s growing appeal and its ability to attract attention from across the sporting spectrum. Li Lingwei, executive member of the International Olympic Committee and vice chairman of the China Olympic Committee, also sent a blessing video, further validating the event’s importance.

While the ZBA focuses on amateur players, the presence of established basketball figures lends credibility and excitement. The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, a professional team based in Zhuji, boast a roster including Barry Brown (age 29), Josh Carlton (age 26), and Hu Jinqiu (age 28). The team plays its home games at the Zhuji Jiyang Sports Center Gymnasium. However, players from teams like Zhejiang Guangsha were ineligible to participate directly in the ZBA tournament, reinforcing the league’s commitment to developing amateur talent.

The championship win for Hangzhou signifies a successful inaugural run for the ZBA, establishing it as a key component of the Zhejiang province’s sporting landscape. The league’s emphasis on grassroots participation, combined with strategic scheduling and the involvement of high-profile athletes, has created a vibrant and engaging basketball experience for both players and fans. The tournament’s conclusion, celebrated by the Hangzhou Sports Lottery, marks not an end, but a foundation for future growth and competition within the Zhejiang basketball community.

The ZBA’s success also highlights a broader trend of increased investment in amateur sports within China. By providing a platform for local talent and fostering a sense of community, the league contributes to the development of basketball at the grassroots level, potentially identifying and nurturing future stars. The league’s structure, prioritizing city and county representation, also promotes regional pride and encourages widespread participation.