The Shenzhen Bluesox defeated the Shanghai Dragons in Game 3 of the finals on February 1 to capture the 2026 Chinese Professional Baseball (CPB) Spring League championship with a 2-1 series victory.
Compared to other countries, baseball started relatively late in China and remains somewhat niche. The lack of a mature and stable professional tournament system has been one of the key challenges in the development of baseball in China. Against this backdrop, the CPB was established.
As a new league, the CPB focuses on establishing a complete player development pipeline to nurture the next generation of Chinese baseball talent. Concurrently, it is committed to building a vibrant baseball culture, aiming to attract broader societal support and accelerate the sport's popularity across the country.
The 2026 CPB Spring League attracted a total of 125 registered players. Nearly half (47%) were Chinese mainland players, 33% came from the Hong Kong and Taiwan regions, and 20% were foreign players. This high-level, diverse mix has not only elevated the quality of competition but also served as an excellent platform for the development of young domestic talent.
Shenzhen Bluesox manager Zhang Baoshu remarked, "The successful development of the CPB might be more crucial for Chinese baseball than having a homegrown player reach the Major Leagues. Baseball requires a solid foundation and long-term cultivation. Having a league like this is immensely valuable for every child who loves the game."
The CPB will launch its Spring and Summer seasons in a condensed format for 2026-2027, with a full home-and-away system planned from 2028 onward. After the Spring Festival break, clubs are already preparing for the Summer League, with several beginning to set up their home venues. These steps aim to foster a more diverse, structured, and exciting league in the coming years.
Reporter | Zhang Siyu
Photo | Chinese Professional Baseball
