Review of China’s Village Super League and Village BA in 2024 [Video]

Over the past year, the Village Super League and Village BA continued to emerge as major sporting competitions in China. The 2024 editions took place from March to October, and CGTN broadcast both events live in English for the first time, underscoring their growing international appeal. The two leagues are not just celebrations of athletic ability, but also examples of ways to integrate culture and tourism, while helping spark rural economic revitalization as well.

The Village Basketball Association, also nicknamed as “Cun BA”, traces its roots back to the local Miao ethnic group’s “June 6th” competition. After going viral with 1.5 billion views in 2022, and soaring to 55 billion in 2023, the third-year event is both a sporting showcase and a cultural carnival, transforming the economy of Taipan Village, and beyond. The organizers also promote local specialties, by using those items as competition prizes, in order to attract tourists …