The first-ever draft of the Chinese Professional Baseball League took place in Shenzhen, Guangdong, on Wednesday. During the event, five founding teams chose a total of 57 players, marking a major milestone for the sport in China.
The league’s inaugural season is set to begin on January 1, 2026, signaling a new era for professional baseball development in the country.
“The draft symbolizes the birth of professional baseball in China, laying the foundation for future talent cultivation,” said one league official during the ceremony.
The event highlighted growing national interest in baseball and emphasized long-term goals to expand the sport’s domestic audience and professional framework.
Author’s Summary: The inaugural draft in Shenzhen marks the formal establishment of professional baseball in China, with 57 players joining five teams ahead of the 2026 season launch.