November 22: As the operators of the new season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) League, the Chinese Basketball Association League (Beijing) Sports Co., Ltd. (CBA company) has partnered with Lietuvos krepšinio lyga (Lithuanian Basketball League, LKL). 

As a part of the deal, the two sides will send their teams to visit each other during the off-season to play friendly basketball games and undertake training programs. The LKL will also organize training camps and courses for young coaches and players from the CBA, in order to improve their skills. 

Additionally, the transfer of referees to each other’s league has also been put on both  parties’ agenda. The CBA and the LKL will also have further discussions on other partnership content, including setting up a new tournament between the top clubs of the two leagues. 

Reportedly, the LKL is the first overseas professional basketball league from a most-highly regarded basketball country, the CBA has formed a partnership with. This mutual beneficial partnership is also a groundbreaking move for the LKL because the CBA is the first ever non-European basketball league that they have partnered with. 

As a member of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, the LKL is the top-tier professional men's basketball league in Lithuania, composed of 10 teams. Top LKL clubs are annual participants in the top continental competitions in Europe, including the top-tier EuroLeague and the second-tier EuroCup.

Source: Xinhuanet

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick