The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) issued two severe penalties earlier this week, signaling a firm stance on maintaining order both on and off the court. The fines and suspensions, targeting Shanxi and Zhejiang clubs, go beyond symbolic gestures, directly impacting playoff readiness and club finances.
During a playoff game against Guangsha, fans at the Taiyuan venue repeatedly chanted “corrupt referee” and hurled insults at officials. This marked the sixth penalty for Shanxi this season, bringing total fines to nearly 500,000 yuan. Previous incidents involved foreign player Diallo insulting fans and head coach Pan Jiang questioning referees. The league stripped Taiyuan of its “Excellent Venue” status, fined the club 50,000 yuan, docked three points, and penalized club officials 10,000 yuan.
In Yiwu, a tense matchup against Shenzhen escalated when fans threw lighters onto the court after Shenzhen’s He Xining hit four consecutive three-pointers to eliminate Zhejiang. More seriously, Zhejiang investor Jin Zijun entered the scorer’s table area twice to disrupt operations—a rare incident in CBA history. The league suspended Jin for one game (extending to next regular season), fined him 50,000 yuan, docked the club 110,000 yuan in expenses, and removed six points from their record—a heavier penalty than Shanxi’s.
These penalties are not solely about fines. The critical element is the deduction of “youth-friendly venue” points, which are tied to future league eligibility. Shanxi had already accumulated 5.75 points in deductions, the league’s worst, while Zhejiang had 3.25 points. Combined with these new sanctions, Zhejiang’s total could trigger an empty-stadium penalty if it reaches 12 points.
Analysts point out that the CBA’s actions reflect a broader shift. The league is implementing stricter regulations issued by the Chinese Basketball Association in October 2025, aiming to professionalize venue management. Previous seasons often prioritized results over conduct, but these fines show that clubs must now manage fan behavior and security as seriously as game strategy.
Former CBA players have noted that coaching and club management now require a holistic approach, including crowd control. For instance, Zhejiang’s head coach Wang Bo previously emphasized that discipline on the court outweighs simply winning. Similarly, ex-Shanxi coach Pan Jiang, now a youth development director, said today’s coaches must also guide fan emotions to avoid club penalties.
The CBA’s approach mirrors international standards, where venues face severe consequences for security lapses, such as permanent bans for throwing objects. By linking venue ratings to club survival, the league aims to create a respectful and safe environment for players, officials, and fans alike. Clubs now understand that both on-court performance and off-court conduct are equally important for long-term success.
