LKL signs historic partnership with Chinese Basketball Association

The Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) reached a major milestone in promoting Lithuanian basketball globally by becoming the first basketball league in the world to sign a partnership agreement with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Signed by Remigijus Milasius, the President of LKL, and Ma Guoli, Deputy Chairman of CBA League, the agreement includes a joint pre-season tournament, plans to organize training camps and share knowledge across various areas in the sport.

"China is crazy about basketball and Lithuanian basketball will now be even more visible in the future," spoke Milasius. "Our goal in recent years has been to spread the word about LKL across the world and this is a big step forward. China knows all about coach Jonas Kazlauskas and will now know more about LKL."

CBA was established 21 years ago, but this is the only the first official strategic partnership of this kind with a basketball league from abroad. The co-operation will commence before the 2018-19 season.

"It was gratifying to hear that Chinese Basketball Association representatives said it was an important day for them," offered the Lithuanian Ambassador to China Ina Marciulionyte.

"They know Lithuania as a big an important basketball country and it's an honor for them to sign such a partnership agreement. We know that many countries had expressed the desire for similar co-operation, but Lithuania managed to be the first in this regard. I think it is a big day in our relations and our sport."

In his trip to China, LKL President Remigijus Milasius was accompanied by the league's referee director and former Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) President Algimantas Pavilionis as well as a delegation of Lithuanian businessmen.