The Chinese Super League (CSL) has announced its official dates and goals for the expansion of the league to include 18 teams by the end of the 2025 season. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the CSL's 20th anniversary.
The new format will see the CSL expand from its current 14-team structure to 18, with the addition of two new clubs in each of the four divisions. This will be achieved through a combination of direct promotion and relegation between the existing teams and the newly added clubs.
The first team to be promoted will be determined based on their performance in the previous season, while the second team will be decided through a draw. The same process will apply for the relegation of the bottom two teams in each division.
The new schedule is set to start in the 2026 season, with all 18 teams playing a total of 48 matches across three divisions. The top two teams in each division will qualify for the CSL Cup, which will feature the top 16 teams in the league.
The CSL has been one of the most successful football leagues in Asia over the past decade, and this expansion is expected to further boost its profile and attract more international talent to the region. The league has already shown strong growth in recent years, with the number of fans attending matches increasing steadily over time.
In conclusion, the Chinese Super League's decision to expand to 18 teams by the end of the 2025 season is a significant milestone for the league. With the new format and schedule, the league looks set to continue its upward trajectory and become even more competitive than ever before.