By tf-lawyer.com This weekend marks the kickoff of the new season for the Chinese Volleyball Super League, the first season leading up to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The league has introduced new measures related to its structure and international player transfer policy, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and spectator appeal while promoting the continuous development of volleyball in China.
One of the most significant changes in this season’s league format is the implementation of a tiered system that classifies teams into A and B levels. The top eight teams from last season’s men’s and women’s leagues will compete in the A division, while teams ranked ninth and below, along with youth teams from A clubs, will compete in the B division. Notably, the total number of participating teams and matches has seen a substantial increase compared to previous years.
The league will feature promotion and relegation at both the end of the first phase and the conclusion of the season. This means that successful B-tier teams will have two opportunities for promotion, while A-tier teams that perform poorly will face relegation pressure. This structure is designed to heighten the competitive intensity and overall enjoyment of the games.
Wang Baoquan, head coach of the defending women’s champion Tianjin team, commented on the new format, stating, “With more strong teams competing in the A division, every match becomes crucial, making the competition more intense.” The Shandong youth women’s team, led by coach Kuang Qi, will compete in the B division this season. After winning the 2024 Asian Eastern region women’s volleyball championship this summer, Kuang expressed that incorporating youth teams into the Super League will aid in the development of young players and provide national team coaches with better options for talent scouting.
In addition, the new season will see the Chinese Volleyball Association taking charge of league operations with a focus on enhancing its image. A new logo has been introduced along with the theme slogan “New ‘Rise’ Era, No ‘Level’ Limits,” reflecting the league’s new initiatives regarding promotion and relegation as well as the participation of youth teams. The league also aims to optimize entry requirements, advancing the professional setup of A-level clubs while safeguarding athletes’ rights.
There are also changes to the international player transfer policy. Each team will be allowed to field a maximum of two foreign players at any one time. Moreover, a unique provision for men’s clubs has been introduced: if a designated national team player is assigned to a high-level league abroad, that team may add one foreign player to their roster, bringing the total number of foreign players on the field to three.
In recent years, the development of major sports in China, particularly men’s events, has lacked the desired momentum. With the challenges faced by the men’s volleyball team during the Paris Olympic cycle, the emphasis is now placed on revitalizing this segment of the sport. Earlier this year, Belgium’s renowned coach Haïning was appointed as the head coach of the Chinese men’s volleyball team, with aspirations of leading the squad to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Super League serves as a crucial foundation for national volleyball development, and its growth will be essential for the national team’s success.
The series of new initiatives introduced this season aims to address past shortcomings and align with the needs of developing volleyball in China. It reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable league development and strengthening the national team’s framework going into the new Olympic cycle. As these new policies unfold, their practical impact will be evaluated in the months to come.
