As Zhejiang enters its annual two sessions period, the Zhejiang Provincial City Basketball League, known as Zhe BA, has reached the quarterfinal knockout stage, adding to the festive atmosphere across the province.

Since the opening game tipped off on July 6, 2025, the league's popularity has extended far beyond the court. From city arenas to neighborhood streets, Zhe BA has become a shared social experience across Zhejiang. The event was highlighted in this year's provincial government work report, which noted that matches in the inaugural season were sold out and had evolved into a province-wide carnival.

As Zhejiang's largest and highest-level grassroots basketball competition, the league's impact has gone well beyond sport. Using basketball as a connector, it has fostered intercity interaction, showcased local culture, and stimulated tourism and consumption, offering a vivid example of how sports and the economy can reinforce each other.

Li Qidi, a member of the 13th Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and dean of the College of Physical Education and Health Sciences at Zhejiang Normal University, said the league's popularity is translating into broader public participation. He described Zhe BA as a strong driver of nationwide fitness initiatives, highlighting the role of sports in building social cohesion and promoting public health.

According to the league's organizing committee, more than 800,000 tickets had been sold by the end of December 2025, directly driving over 2.92 billion yuan ($410 million) in combined spending across culture, tourism, commerce, and sports-related sectors.

With the competition moving into more intense knockout rounds, including the semifinals and finals, Zhe BA's momentum continues to build, reinforcing its status as a widely shared cultural and sporting phenomenon in Zhejiang.