The Jiangsu Football City League, popularly known as the “Su Super League” (苏超), kicked off its second season on April 11, 2026, in Changzhou, with over 40,000 spectators attending the opening ceremony despite rainy conditions.
The tournament features 13 teams representing cities across Jiangsu Province, continuing the grassroots football phenomenon that captured national attention during its inaugural season in 2025.
Renowned Chinese singer Zhou Shen performed the league’s theme song at the opening ceremony, while approximately 300 robots from local tech firms entertained the crowd with a synchronized dance performance.
The second season began a month earlier than the debut edition and is scheduled to run through late October 2026, strategically aligning with China’s May Day and National Day holiday periods to maximize travel and consumer spending.
Commercial interest in the league has grown significantly, with sponsorships already secured from global brands including Adidas and Coca-Cola. Total sponsorship revenue for the 2026 season is expected to surpass 100 million yuan (approximately 14.6 million U.S. Dollars).
The league’s format emphasizes local pride, with teams composed of everyday citizens such as teachers, delivery drivers, and fishmongers representing their hometowns, rather than professional superstars.
Following the success of the inaugural season, which drew over 60,000 fans to a match in Nanjing in July 2025 and generated more than 11 billion views online, local authorities have announced plans to further integrate the tournament with major holidays and enhance rules to support its growth.
The Su Super League has become a cultural and economic catalyst in Jiangsu Province, driving urban cultural tourism and consumption while reinforcing grassroots football participation across the region.