The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions hold a ceremony to present new jerseys to incoming players at Huanglong Sports Center in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Dec 9. [Photo/IC]

The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions launched their 2025-26 season on Dec 9, holding a send-off ceremony at Huanglong Sports Center in Hangzhou as the defending champions prepare for a new campaign in the Chinese Basketball Association.

The full squad was unveiled at the event, marking the start of the team's title defense. The core championship lineup from last season remains intact, including Hu Jinqiu, Sun Minghui, Zhu Junlong, Zhao Yanhao, Zhao Jiaren, and Barry Brown.

The team has also added two international players, Jakar Sampson and Rayjon Tucker. Three young players, Zhou Kefan, Cui Xinquan, and Lian Yu, were promoted from the youth team to the first team and formally introduced to fans.

Head coach Wang Bo said at the ceremony that last season's success is now part of the past and that the team will approach the new season with a champion's mindset while embracing fresh challenges.

Wang also addressed rule changes introduced for the new CBA season, including 10-minute quarters, a five-foul disqualification rule, and team foul penalties.

Team captain Hu Jinqiu, who recently returned from national team duty, said the players are focused on regaining rhythm ahead of the league's opening phase and are determined to push toward another championship run.

The championship ring of the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions is displayed. [Photo/IC]

Zhejiang Guangsha will open the new CBA season at home on Dec 12 at Huanglong Sports Center. A championship banner-raising ceremony is scheduled before tip-off, marking the first league game since the club secured its maiden CBA title.