The Chinese Super League, or CSL, is the most competitive football league in China. This league is run by the Chinese Football Association and saw the light in the year 2004. Since then, the CSL has become one of the most followed professional leagues in this country.

Following the format of most European leagues, which the CSL wants to battle by offering huge amounts of money to star players, the league operates under a promotion-relegation system. The two least successful teams after 30 games are relegated to the Chinese League 1, while the team with the most points wins the title. 16 teams begin each Chinese Super League season.

Due to the harsh weather that hits China during the winter, this league kicks off in February and concludes between November and the early days of December. The 2017 season started on February 3 and came to an end on November 4. Guangzhou Evergrande was crowned as the champion, while Yanbian Funde and Liaoning Whowin were relegated to the CL1.

The 2018 season kicked off on March 2 with two newly promoted teams: Beijing Renhe and Dalian Yifang. The last game of the season will take place on November 11.

Did you know? Guangzhou Evergrande is the most successful team in the Chinese Super League. The South China Tigers have won seven consecutive titles, with only three other teams claiming the title.