Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Chinese Super League Requires Women’s Club Teams For Entry

  • CSL clubs are now required to establish a women’s soccer team.
  • A similar rule was implemented in 2019.
The China Women's National Soccer team clap for fans after a match.
FIFA

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Chinese Super League clubs are now required by the Chinese Football Association to establish a women’s soccer team in order to participate in the upcoming season, start date to be determined.

“This women’s team should take part in the Chinese Women’s Super League or the second- and third-tier league,” Xinhua News Agency reported.

A similar requirement was implemented during the 2019 season, when the CSL had 16 teams. It now has 18, though four folded over the last four seasons.

In October, the General Administration of Sport — China’s national sports agency — announced ambitions to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031.

China is the current AFC Women’s Asian Cup Champion, a title the country has won nine times since 1986. Its women’s team is ranked 14th in the world and will participate in the Women’s World Cup later this year.

Earlier this week, the CSL renewed its title sponsorship agreement with insurance company Ping An in a reported one-season, $14.7 million deal. Ping An has been the title sponsor of the league since 2014.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 6, 2023; Melbourne, AUS; United States forward Sophia Smith (11) battles for the ball against Sweden midfielder Elin Rubensson (23) in extra time of a Round of 16 match during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Trump Official Says U.S. Will Host 2031 Women’s World Cup

Government support could hinge on FIFA’s transgender athlete rules.
Oct 29, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; USA Head Coach Emma Hayes speaks with midfielder Lo’eau Labonta (11) during the second half of the match against New Zealand at CPKC Stadium.

FIFA Rules All Women’s Teams Must Have Female Coaches

One head or assistant coach must be a woman for FIFA competitions.
Oct 5, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; US Women's National Soccer Team Coach Jill Ellis speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of her final match as head coach of the US Women's National Soccer Team Coach at Soldier Field.

FIFA’s Ellis On Qatar As Potential Host City: U.S. Is Anti-Gay, Too

Qatar is reportedly interested in bidding for the January 2028 tournament.
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and Portland Trail Blazers logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Reopens Doors in China—and Eyes the WNBA Next

The Mavericks and Rockets are set to play games in Macao next year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/8/26 – Rahm Rejects LIV, Trump’s Stormy Georgia-Alabama Visit, Super Bowl on Disney+

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
Jul 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; An official MLB baseball with a Toronto Blue Jays logo sits on the grass before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

MLB Owners Propose 154-Game Season, Expanded Playoffs

The proposal also includes a weekly off day.
Sep 25, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) walks back to the dugout after making a pitching change during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
October 8, 2026

Yankees Exit Leaves Questions Heading Into Likely Lockout

Aaron Judge calls for the club to be “all in” for 2027.
Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) A view of the NFL logo and the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys during the game at Maracana Stadium.
October 8, 2026

NFL Urges Supreme Court to Hear Prediction-Markets Case

“It is critical for the Court to act as soon as possible,” a league source says.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 7, 2026

Why Are NFL Penalty Flags Flying? It’s Complicated

Dead-ball penalties are a major factor.
Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
October 7, 2026

MLB Division Series Extends Postseason Ratings Streak

Fox Sports and TNT Sports saw initial viewership lifts in the Division Series.
October 7, 2026

WNBA Semifinals Open With 1.15M Viewers, Up 10%

NBC aired its first WNBA playoff game in more than two decades.
Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Kyle Juszczyk Wins Chugging Celebration Appeal, League Adjusts Policy

Juszczyk had received two fines of $14,926 each.