In 2024, China's Village Super League and Village BA emerged as major sporting events, captivating audiences from March to October. For the first time, CGTN broadcast both competitions live in English, highlighting their rising international appeal.
The Village Basketball Association, affectionately known as \"Cun BA,\" originated from the local Miao ethnic group's \"June 6th\" competition. After going viral with 1.5 billion views in 2022 and skyrocketing to 55 billion in 2023, the 2024 edition served as both a sports showcase and a cultural festival. This event has significantly boosted the economy of Taipan Village, promoting local specialties as competition prizes to attract tourists and increase sales. Official data reveals that the 2024 VBA increased Taijiang County's tourist visits by 32.12% and tourism revenue by 32.67%, welcoming over 3.6 million visitors and generating 4.2 billion yuan from January to November.
Meanwhile, the Village Super League in Rongjiang County has experienced explosive growth. Last year, the football event garnered more than 78 billion online views, attracted 11.69 million tourists, and generated 13.07 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Looking ahead, Rongjiang County is set to host the first national VSL event next year and plans to organize a World Cup-style competition for football enthusiasts globally in 2028. By fostering international collaboration, the Village Super League aims to become a new model for grassroots sports development and rural revitalization in China.
Reference(s):
Review of China's Village Super League and Village BA in 2024
cgtn.com
