2015/2016 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) winners Sichuan Whale Basketball Club have begun legal proceedings against YEMA Auto, the club’s former major sponsor in the 2014/2015 season, for breach of contract.

According to various media reports, the club claimed compensation of RMB15.15m in total for the unpaid fees plus penalties from its former major sponsor, including RMB2m of goods.

YEMA Auto signed a strategic deal with Sichuan Whale on 20th October 2014, which was supposed to see the Sichuan-based car manufacturer become the title sponsor of the club with related rights until 1st August 2015. However, the partnership was terminated due to contractual disputes within two months. Despite further negotiations, no agreement was reached between the two parties.

According to a record provided by Sichuan Whale, YEMA Auto has only paid RMB650K, 1/10 of the specified initial installment. However, the basketball club continued to contest under the name of Sichuan YEMA Auto until the end of the 2014/2015 CBA season.

Now the case is being heard at Chengdu Court. Sichuan Whale has recently signed with a new major sponsor PISEN, an electronic dealer.

Source: Netease

Proofread by Sean O Diobhilin