The Hong Kong Bulls are the first team in Hong Kong to join the National Basketball League (NBL) - China’s second-tier league.
The Bulls will take on defending champions, the Guangxi Rhinos, at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, the team’s home court, when the new season tips off on July 2.
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Hong Kong Basketball Association (HKBA) signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing yesterday.
Under the agreement, the two sides will work together to promote youth basketball activities. The HKBA will also encourage local registered clubs to participate in basketball tournaments organized by the CBA.
Qian Tao, head of the Hong Kong Bulls Basketball Team, said he believed joining the league would not only enhance the standard of basketball in Hong Kong but would also promote Hong Kong-China integration.
Furthermore, it will deepen sports exchange and cooperation between the two places, he added.
“The team hopes to perform well and takes an important place in the league,” said Qian.
The NBL is the second division of basketball in China, only behind the CBA league. There are currently 12 teams competing in this year's NBL tournament.
