The Chinese Basketball League (CBL), formed from what used to be Division B’s class 1 and class 2, was launched by the CBA in 2005.

The establishment of the CBL aimed to better integrate current players, further improve the development of the association and promote local basketball's professionalism and club building.

14 local teams participated in the first regular season of the CBL in April 22-28, 2004. Eight of them progressed to the playoffs. They were Yunnan Honghe, Yingkou Donghua, Hebei Jidong, Sichuan Shidai Bingchuan, Shanxi Yujin, Heilongjiang Daqing, Gongguan Xinshiji, and Tianjin.

On August 4, Yunnan Honghe won their 13th straight game to take the CBL championship and cruise to the top CBA league this year. 

(China.org.cn January 26, 2005)