Move over, NBA—China’s Village Basketball Association (VBA) is back with a slam dunk! The 2024 season kicked off Friday in Taipan Village, Guizhou, where roaring crowds and cultural pride turned a rural court into a global spectacle.
This year’s opener saw the Meishan God of War (Hunan) face off against the Vanguards of Snow World (Gansu), whose Mongolian heritage players brought fierce energy to the game. Think crossover dribbles meets traditional flair!
Since going viral in 2022, the VBA has become a symbol of China’s grassroots sports revolution. New this season? Teams can now include up to two urban hukou-registered players per game—a move to boost diversity and talent on this rising stage.
From ethnic minority athletes to farmers-turned-stars, the VBA proves basketball isn’t just a city game. With over 4 billion views on social media last season, this rural league is rewriting playbooks worldwide.
The 2024 season kicked off Friday in Taipan Village, Guizhou, where roaring crowds and cultural pride turned a rural court into a global spectacle. 
