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Liaoning Flying Leopards
Liaoning Flying Leopards
Liaoning Flying Leopards
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The Liaoning Flying Leopards (simplified Chinese: 辽宁飞豹; traditional Chinese: 遼寧飛豹; pinyin: Liáoníng Fēibào), also known as the Liaoning Shenyang Sansheng Flying Leopard Club or Liaoning Bengang (辽宁本钢), are a Chinese professional basketball team based in Hunnan District, Shenyang, Liaoning, which plays in the Northern Division of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Key Information

The team used to play their home games at the Benxi Gymnasium in Benxi, but relocated to Shenyang in the 2017–18 season. The biopharmacy company 3SBio Inc. is the club's corporate sponsor. The team plays at the Liaoning Gymnasium.

Founded in 1953, Liaoning became a fully professional organization and member of the CBA in 1995, and since then they have won four championships. Liaoning also won the Asian continental title after winning the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in 1990, and were runners-up in 1988, 1992 and 1999.[1]

History

[edit]

The club's history dates back to 1953, when the Northeast Sports Training Class Basketball Team (Chinese: 东北体育训练班篮球队) was formed, which later became the Liaoning Provincial Basketball Team (Chinese: 辽宁省篮球队).[2][3] Liaoning won the national basketball championship in 1985, as well as in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1992.[2] During the late 1980s and 1990s, Liaoning represented China in the ABC Champions Cup and won a title in 1990.[1]

Following the establishment of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 1995, the club was officially founded as a professional team as Liaoning Hunters.[4]

During the 2004–05 CBA season, Liaoning finished in first place in the North Division, but lost in the quarter-finals of the CBA Playoffs to the South Division's Yunnan Bulls. The team would then go on to place seventh and fourth, respectively, over the next two years, before advancing to the CBA Finals following the 2007–08 CBA season. Although Liaoning eventually lost to the Guangdong Southern Tigers, the club did win the fourth game of the series. This was the team's first victory in the CBA Finals, despite multiple appearances. After finishing in fifth place in the 2009–10 CBA season, Liaoning would miss both the 2010–11 and the 2011–12 CBA playoffs.[citation needed]

In 2011, Liaoning Scale Industry took over sponsorship from the Liaoning Panpan Group Co., Ltd.[citation needed]

Before the 2012–13 CBA season began, the roster received a massive upheaval. Liaoning made multiple changes including the signings of Josh Akognon and Alexander Johnson. Meanwhile, veteran Bian Qiang retired, and many local players were either transferred or loaned out to other CBA teams. One of the most significant player transactions that occurred was the decision to let go of Zhang Qingpeng.[5] It would later be revealed that this move was made in the interest of developing sharpshooter Guo Ailun.[6] On 2 December 2012, the Flying Leopards beat the Tianjin Gold Lions 100–81. This was Liaoning's sixth straight home victory against Tianjin.[7]

In 2013, the team started to receive sponsorship from Benxi Steel Group.[8]

The Flying Leopards have since become regular contenders for the CBA title again, powered by such players as Guo, Han Dejun, and multi-time CBA International MVP Lester Hudson. Liaoning lost to the Beijing Ducks in six games in the 2015 CBA Finals, and to Sichuan Blue Whales in five games in the 2016 CBA Finals. After Game 3 of the 2016 Finals, a brawl broke between players from the visiting Liaoning Flying Leopards and fans of the Sichuan Blue Whales.[citation needed]

In the 2017–18 CBA season, Liaoning defeated Zhejiang Lions in the finals (4–0) and won their first CBA league title.[9] The team relocated their home stadium from Benxi to Shenyang during the play-offs semi-finals.[10]

In 2019, 3SBio Inc. officially took the sponsorship, and changed the team name.[11] In the 2020–21 season, former national team player Yang Ming became the new head coach.[12] Under his guidance, the Flying Leopards won three consecutive CBA championships (2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24), and also swept their opponents 4–0 in the finals on all three occasions.[13][14][15]

Players

[edit]

Retired numbers

[edit]
  • #12 – Yang Ming [zh] (PG; 2004–2019); retired on 4 November 2019

Current roster

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Liaoning Flying Leopards roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt.
F/C 1 China Fu Hao 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 113 kg (249 lb)
G 3 China Zhao Jiwei 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) 80 kg (176 lb)
G 4 United States Kyle Fogg 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 87 kg (192 lb)
C 6 China Huang Qiushi 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 111 kg (245 lb)
SF 7 China Zhao Shuzhou 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 94 kg (207 lb)
G/F 10 China Cong Mingchen 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 97 kg (214 lb)
G 11 China Zhang Junhao 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) 80 kg (176 lb)
F/C 17 China Liu Yanyu 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) 95 kg (209 lb)
G 21 United States Dez Wells 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 98 kg (216 lb)
F/C 22 China Li Xiaoxu 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in) 103 kg (227 lb)
SF 27 China Yu Zechen 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 92 kg (203 lb)
C 31 China Zhang Chenzhifeng 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) 113 kg (249 lb)
G 33 China Wang Lanqin 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) 78 kg (172 lb)
CG 36 China Yan Shouqi 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) 92 kg (203 lb)
G/F 37 China Li Huyi 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) 81 kg (179 lb)
C 44 China Ren Xuhang 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in) 103 kg (227 lb)
C 55 China Han Dejun (C) 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) 128 kg (282 lb)
PF 77 China Zhang Zhenlin 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 102 kg (225 lb)
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Injured Injured
Updated: 4 January 2025

Honours

[edit]

Notable players

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Criteria

To appear in this section a player must have either:

  • Set a club record or won an individual award while at the club
  • Played at least one official international match for their national team at any time
  • Played at least one official NBA match at any time.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Liaoning Flying Leopards

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Liaoning Flying Leopards are a men's team based in , province, , that competes in the (CBA) as a member of the league's Northern Division. Founded in 1953 as an amateur squad representing the province, the team transitioned to status upon the CBA's inception in and has since become one of 's most successful franchises. With a storied legacy that includes five pre-CBA national championships between 1985 and 1992, the Flying Leopards achieved dominance in the modern era by securing four CBA titles: the 2017–18 season, followed by a in the 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 seasons. This recent run of success, marked by sweeping finals victories in their last three championships, established the team as a dynasty under Yang Ming and featured standout performances from players like Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin. In the 2024–25 CBA season, the Flying Leopards finished the regular season with a record of 32 wins and 14 losses, advancing to the semi-finals where they were swept 0–3 by the . The 2025–26 CBA season is currently underway. As of February 9, 2026, the Liaoning Flying Leopards have participated in regular season games. In a key "辽粤大战" (Liaoning–Guangdong rivalry) matchup on January 11, 2026, they lost 78–108 to the Guangdong Southern Tigers at their home arena in Shenyang. No subsequent matches between the two teams have occurred as of February 9, 2026, with the next scheduled game on March 15, 2026. For the latest standings, results, and schedules, consult official CBA sources or reliable sports databases. The team's home arena is the Liaoning Gymnasium in , where they draw passionate local support, and their official colors are purple, gold, and black. Beyond domestic play, the Flying Leopards have represented internationally, winning the Asian Basketball Confederation Champions Cup in 1990 and earning multiple runner-up finishes. Sponsored primarily by 3SBio Inc., the franchise emphasizes youth development and has produced numerous national team talents, contributing to China's growing prominence in global .

Franchise overview

Home arena

The Liaoning Flying Leopards have used the Gymnasium as their primary home arena since relocating from to for the 2017–18 CBA season. Located in the Hunnan District of , , the facility serves as a key venue for professional in the region and is situated adjacent to the larger Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium complex. Opened in 2007, the Liaoning Gymnasium was constructed as part of Shenyang's Olympic sports infrastructure to support multi-sport events, including . With a of 12,000, it provides a modern indoor setting optimized for CBA games, featuring standard basketball amenities and spectator facilities. No major renovations have been reported for the gymnasium itself in recent years, though the surrounding sports center has hosted national events like the 2013 . The arena's design and location contribute to strong home-court advantages for the Flying Leopards, drawing consistent fan support that enhances performance during . For instance, during Game 4 of the 2022–23 CBA Finals, the venue accommodated a rapturous of approximately 10,000, with the distributing special commemorative t-shirts to boost morale and atmosphere. Such high attendance levels, often nearing full capacity for contests, underscore the gymnasium's role in fostering an intense, supportive environment unique to Liaoning's fanbase.

Ownership and sponsorship

The Liaoning Flying Leopards originated as an amateur team under the Liaoning Provincial Sports Administration in 1953, initially known as the Northeast Sports Training Class basketball team. With the establishment of the (CBA) in 1995, the team transitioned to a fully professional organization, competing as one of the league's founding members and evolving from state-managed provincial sports entity to a corporate-backed club. In 2011, entrepreneur Liu Jingyuan acquired operational control through his Liaoning Hengye Group, investing heavily to stabilize and professionalize the franchise's management structure. Since 2019, the club has been primarily sponsored by company 3SBio Inc., which holds as reflected in the official club title, Liaoning Shenyang 3SBio Flying Leopards Club; this partnership includes prominent jersey branding and supports the team's competitive operations. Prior sponsorships, such as from Benxi Iron and Steel Group in the early , laid the groundwork for , but 3SBio's involvement has marked a shift toward long-term corporate backing in the biotech sector. The current management is led by Chairman Liu Jingyuan, who oversees strategic decisions as the primary investor, with his son Liu Ziqing serving as since 2023, focusing on player development, sponsorship negotiations, and league compliance. This family-led structure emphasizes sustainable growth, including youth academy investments and partnerships with local enterprises to enhance the club's financial backing.

History

Founding and early years

The Liaoning Flying Leopards originated in 1953 as the Northeast Sports Training Class Team, established with approval from the Northeast People's Government as an amateur squad focused on developing regional talent. This team soon evolved into the Provincial Team, representing the province in national competitions and establishing itself as a foundational force in Chinese during the early years of the . In the pre-professional amateur era, the team quickly asserted regional dominance in , consistently outperforming local rivals and serving as Northeast China's premier program. Early milestones included a runner-up finish in the 1974 National League and third place at the 1975 Third National Games, highlighting their growing competitive stature amid limited resources and state-supported sports development. By the mid-1980s, had become a national contender, winning the Chinese National Basketball Championship in 1985 after a strong performance in the tournament's knockout stages. The late 1980s and early 1990s marked Liaoning's golden age in the system, with National League titles in 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992, often overcoming established teams like Bayi and in grueling round-robin and playoff formats. These victories, achieved through disciplined play and emerging talents from provincial training, underscored the team's tactical evolution and contributed to their reputation as one of China's most successful programs before the shift to . This era of dominance provided a strong base as the team transitioned to the professional in 1995.

Professional era and relocations

The Liaoning Flying Leopards transitioned to the professional era with their entry into the (CBA) in 1995, debuting as the Liaoning Hunters. This marked the team's shift from amateur competitions to a fully structure within China's . Throughout the late and early , the franchise experienced inconsistent performance, often struggling to advance deep into the playoffs despite occasional strong regular-season showings, such as finishing first in the 2004-05 CBA standings. In 2002, the team rebranded as the Panpan Hunters to align with a sponsorship deal, reflecting the common practice in the CBA for teams to incorporate corporate partners into their names. By the late 2000s, the team entered a period of notable challenges and rebuilds, finishing as low as 12th in the 2008-09 season after changing its name to the Liaoning Dinosaurs that year. The 2009-10 campaign saw a brief improvement to fifth place, but the team regressed to 10th in 2010-11, highlighting ongoing roster transitions and competitive difficulties in a league dominated by a few elite clubs. In 2011, the franchise adopted its current moniker, the Liaoning Flying Leopards, as part of efforts to refresh its identity and appeal. Prior to professionalization, the team had achieved international success by winning the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in 1990, an accomplishment that underscored its foundational strength in Asian club basketball. In a significant operational shift, the Flying Leopards relocated their home operations from to ahead of the 2017-18 season, aiming to leverage the provincial capital's larger population and infrastructure for greater fan engagement.

Recent championships

The Liaoning Flying Leopards secured their first professional-era (CBA) championship in the 2017–18 season, defeating the Guangsha Lions 4–0 in , with the decisive Game 4 victory coming by a score of 100–88. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the franchise, ending a long drought since their earlier amateur titles and establishing them as a dominant force in the league. Yang Ming assumed head coaching duties in June 2020, leading the team to back-to-back finals appearances in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, both losses to the (2–1 and 3–2, respectively), before revitalizing their performance through improved defensive strategies and team cohesion. Under Ming's leadership, the Flying Leopards initiated a remarkable resurgence, capturing three consecutive CBA titles starting in the 2021–22 season. In the 2021–22 finals, they swept the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions 4–0, clinching the series with commanding wins that highlighted their balanced offense and rebounding dominance. The dynasty continued in the 2022–23 season, where Liaoning again swept the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions 4–0 in , sealing the with a 106–70 rout in Game 4 on May 15, 2023, and demonstrating their ability to overpower high-scoring opponents through disciplined play. The following year, in 2023–24, they completed the by sweeping the 4–0, culminating in a 104–95 victory in Game 4 on May 22, 2024, which underscored Ming's tactical adjustments in neutralizing perimeter threats. In the 2024–25 season, the Flying Leopards advanced to the semifinals but were swept 0–3 by the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions. These back-to-back sweeps against elite competition solidified the Flying Leopards' status as the premier team in Chinese professional basketball during the early .

Personnel

Coaching staff

Yang Ming has served as head coach of the Liaoning Flying Leopards since the 2020–21 CBA season, bringing his experience as a former professional player for the team and member of the Chinese national team, where he played as a shooting guard from 2003 to 2019. Under his leadership, the Flying Leopards achieved three consecutive CBA championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024, marking a dominant era for the franchise despite a brief interim period in the 2023–24 season when he stepped down temporarily before returning. The coaching staff includes assistant coaches Hugo , Wu Naiqun, and Liu Zhixuan, who support player development and tactical implementation for the 2025–26 season. , a Spanish coach with prior experience as interim head coach during the 2023–24 championship run, focuses on integrating international strategies and enhancing individual skills among younger players. Wu Naiqun and Liu Zhixuan, both with deep ties to Chinese , contribute to , regimens, and fostering team cohesion, particularly in transitioning prospects to the professional level. The staff's overall philosophy emphasizes defensive fundamentals, such as steals and rebounding, alongside leveraging veteran leadership for stability while prioritizing scientific training to maintain player health and develop emerging talent. This approach has been key to sustaining the team's playoff success and building a balanced roster capable of competing at the highest levels of the CBA.

Current roster

The Liaoning Flying Leopards' roster for the 2025–26 (CBA) season, as of November 2025, comprises 21 active players, blending veteran Chinese nationals with international imports to provide depth across positions. The team emphasizes a balanced lineup with strong scoring from guards and rebounding from centers, adhering to CBA regulations limiting foreign players to four per game. All players are under standard professional contracts for the season, with no reported injuries or suspensions affecting availability at this time. The following table lists the active roster, including positions, known jersey numbers, heights, ages, and nationalities:
Player NamePositionJersey #HeightAgeNationality
Kyle FoggG41.91 m35American
Jiwei ZhaoPG31.84 m30Chinese
Dejun HanC552.15 m38Chinese
Hao FuC12.08 m28Chinese
Zhenlin ZhangSF772.06 m26Chinese
Xiaoxu LiF/C222.07 m35Chinese
Cameron OliverF-2.03 m29American
PF-2.05 m32American
Dezmine WellsG211.96 m33American
Yan ShouqiSG361.90 m28Chinese
Liu YanyuF172.10 m26Chinese
Zechen YuSF272.02 m25Chinese
Lanchan WangG331.86 m27Chinese
SF31.96 m30Canadian/South Sudanese
C72.13 m31South Sudanese/Australian
C-2.16 m28American
Boubacar TouréC212.13 m30Senegalese
Zhou ZhaoF81.98 m30Chinese
Zhifeng ZhangC302.13 m22Chinese
Huli HuG371.90 m23Chinese
Haojun ZhangPG111.85 m21Chinese
Key players include Jiwei Zhao, providing playmaking leadership; shooting guard Kyle Fogg, the team's leading scorer; and Dejun Han, a veteran anchor in the paint with extensive rebounding contributions. Foreign imports such as Fogg and Cameron Oliver add scoring versatility, while Chinese forwards like Zhenlin Zhang offer athleticism and defense. In terms of depth chart, the typical starting lineup features Zhao at , Fogg at shooting guard, Zhang at , Oliver at power forward, and Han at center, supported by a bench rotation including Wells, Fu, and Acuil for energy and size. This structure allows for flexible substitutions, with international players often rotating to maximize impact under CBA import rules. The roster's average age of 29 and height of 2.00 m underscore a mature, physically imposing unit focused on contention in the .

Retired numbers

The Liaoning Flying Leopards retired jersey number 12 in honor of Yang Ming, recognizing his 15-year playing career from 2004 to 2019 and his embodiment of team loyalty as a one-club player. The retirement marked the franchise's first such honor, symbolizing Yang's contributions to the team's culture of perseverance and hometown dedication, with the jersey now permanently displayed alongside championship banners in the Sports Arena. The retirement ceremony occurred on November 4, 2019, prior to the team's season-opening home game against the . During the event, a red curtain was unveiled to reveal the suspended No. 12 jersey, accompanied by a video montage of Yang's career highlights, including his role in the 2017–18 CBA and statistical milestones such as 4,364 points, 1,161 rebounds, and 1,551 assists. Yang, who transitioned to assistant coach upon retiring as a player in May 2019, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the number's representation of collective rather than individual achievement. The team's policy on jersey retirements prioritizes players who exemplify lifelong commitment and transformative impact, with Yang selected as the inaugural recipient for his role in elevating the franchise's identity amid its professional evolution. In team lore, No. 12 endures as a beacon of resilience, inspiring current players to uphold the standards set during Yang's era, including his later brief stint as head coach leading to additional titles.

Achievements

Domestic honors

The Liaoning Flying Leopards achieved significant success in China's pre-professional basketball era, capturing the Chinese National Basketball Championship five times: in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992. These victories established the team as a dominant force in domestic competition during the amateur period. Since the inception of the professional Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 1995, the Flying Leopards have emerged as one of the league's most successful franchises, securing four championships. Their first CBA title came in the 2017–18 season, where they swept the Zhejiang Lions 4–0 in the finals. The team repeated this dominance in the 2021–22 season, again defeating the Zhejiang Lions 4–0 to claim their second championship. Liaoning continued their success with back-to-back titles in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, sweeping the Zhejiang Golden Bulls 4–0 in 2023 and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 4–0 in 2024, marking a three-peat under head coach Yang Ming. In addition to playoff triumphs, the Flying Leopards have excelled in the regular season, finishing atop the standings in the 2015–16, 2021–22, and 2023–24 campaigns. They posted a league-best 31–7 record in 2015–16, 32–6 in 2021–22, and 43–9 in 2023–24, earning the top seed and home-court advantage in each playoffs.

International competitions

The Liaoning Flying Leopards have a storied history in international club basketball, particularly in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup (now known as the Basketball Champions League Asia), where they first achieved prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The team reached the final in 1988 but lost to Swift-PABL of the Philippines, 84-69. In 1990, they claimed their sole title in the competition by defeating Bank of Korea in the final held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Liaoning returned to the final in 1992, falling to KIA Motors of South Korea, and again in 1999, where they were defeated by Sagesse of Lebanon, 84-71, after a semifinal victory over Petronas of Malaysia. They also competed in 1995, finishing fifth overall after advancing from the group stage. After a long hiatus, the Flying Leopards re-entered FIBA's Asian club competition in 2018, participating in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in , . In the group phase, they lost all three games: 62–106 to Pauian Archiland of , 51–108 to of , and 69–108 to Petrochimi Bandar Imam of . They were then eliminated in the 5th-8th place semifinals with a 71–95 defeat to Mono of , before losing 75–102 to Al Riyadi of in the 7th place game, finishing eighth overall. In 2024, as participants by virtue of their CBA title, Liaoning competed in Group B, posting a 1-2 record: a narrow 94-93 victory over NS Matrix, but losses to Shabab Al Ahli (97-65) and Al Riyadi (118-75). Beyond FIBA events, the team excelled in regional play by winning the inaugural Super League's Terrific 12 tournament in 2019, held in . In the final, they edged 83-82, with former NBA player earning MVP honors for his 19-point performance, including crucial plays in the closing moments. This victory highlighted Liaoning's competitive edge in East Asian club basketball, defeating strong opponents like San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals, 111-89.

Season records

Regular season results

The Liaoning Flying Leopards have competed in the (CBA) regular season since the league's inception in 1995–96, establishing themselves as a consistent contender in the Northern Division after early fluctuations in performance. Throughout their , the team has achieved multiple first-place finishes in their division, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, while experiencing lower standings during transitional periods. Their regular season records reflect a balance of strong defensive play and high-scoring offenses, with notable peaks in win percentages during the mid-2010s and early 2020s. The following table summarizes the team's regular season performance year by year, including win-loss records where available and overall or divisional standings. Data for earlier seasons primarily reflects final standings, as comprehensive win-loss tallies from that era are less documented; more detailed records are available from the 2011–12 season onward.
SeasonRecord (W-L)Games PlayedWin %Standing
1995–96———3rd (overall)
1996–97———7th (overall)
1997–98———7th (overall)
1998–99———2nd (overall)
1999–00———2nd (overall)
2000–01———5th (overall)
2001–02———12th (overall)
2002–03———11th (overall)
2003–04———9th (overall)
2004–05———1st (North Division)
2005–06———3rd (overall)
2006–07———4th (overall)
2007–08———4th (overall)
2008–09———12th (overall)
2009–10———5th (overall)
2010–11———10th (overall)
2011–1215–1732.46910th (overall)
2012–1319–1332.5945th (overall)
2013–1420–1434.5887th (overall)
2014–1533–538.8682nd (overall)
2015–1631–738.8161st (North Division)
2016–1729–938.7635th (overall)
2017–1829–938.7632nd (overall)
2018–1938–846.8262nd (overall)
2019–2032–1446.6963rd (overall)
2020–2145–954.8332nd (overall)
2021–2232–638.8421st (overall)
2022–2330–1040.7503rd (overall)
2023–2443–952.8271st (North Division)
2024–2532–1446.6964th (overall)
The team's strongest regular season performances include the 2014–15 campaign with an .868 win percentage and the 2021–22 season at .842, both securing top finishes and highlighting their dominance in the Northern Division. Conversely, the 2001–02 and 2008–09 seasons marked low points with 12th-place finishes, reflecting roster instability during those periods. Statistical leaders in regular season categories, such as points and rebounds, have varied, but players like Zhao Jiwei have consistently contributed to high-efficiency offenses in recent years, with the team averaging over 100 in multiple seasons.

Playoff history

The Liaoning Flying Leopards have established themselves as one of the most successful teams in CBA playoff history, securing four championships and reaching the finals on seven occasions since the league's inception. Their postseason record stands at 63 wins and 34 losses across 97 games, yielding a .649 . This success is particularly pronounced in recent years, with a dominant from 2022 to 2024, during which they swept all finals opponents 4–0. The team's playoff journey has been marked by intense rivalries, especially with the , whom they have faced in multiple finals series. Early notable appearances include a finals loss in , but the modern era of contention began in the mid-2010s. In the 2014–15 season, Liaoning advanced to the finals but fell to the in six games (2–4). The following year, 2015–16, they again reached the championship round, only to lose to the in five games (1–4). In the 2016–17 playoffs, Liaoning defeated the 3–1 in the quarterfinals before falling to the 1–4 in the semifinals. The 2017–18 season marked a breakthrough, as under coach Guo Shiqiang, the team swept the 4–0 in the finals to claim their first CBA title in the professional era. In 2018–19, Liaoning beat the 3–0 in the quarterfinals but lost to the 1–4 in the semifinals. The 2019–20 season saw Liaoning reach the finals, losing to the 1–2. They returned to the finals in 2020–21, falling to again 2–3. Liaoning's resurgence peaked from 2021 to 2024, achieving a perfect 9–0 playoff run in 2021–22 en route to a 4–0 finals sweep over Zhejiang Guangsha. They defended the title in 2022–23 with another 4–0 finals victory against the , crushing them 106–70 in Game 4 to seal the series. In 2023–24, the Flying Leopards completed the by sweeping the 4–0 in the finals, winning Game 4 104–95. These sweeps underscored their dominance and featured standout performances from players like Zhao Jiwei and Zhang Zhenlin. The rivalry with persisted as a key narrative, with Liaoning's 2018 triumph over them symbolizing a turning point in the matchup. In the 2024–25 playoffs, Liaoning first swept the 3–0 in the quarterfinals, including a 101–79 win in Game 3. However, their title defense ended in the semifinals with a 0–3 sweep by the (also known as Guangsha), losing Game 3 109–98. This marked their earliest exit since 2019–20 and snapped the three-year championship streak. Despite occasional deep runs, Liaoning's playoff progression has often hinged on key comebacks, such as overcoming deficits in semifinal series during the 2017–18 championship path.
SeasonPlayoff Record (W-L)deepest Round ReachedOpponent in Finals/SemisSeries Result
2014–158–4FinalsBeijing DucksLoss 2–4
2015–167–5FinalsSichuan Blue WhalesLoss 1–4
2016–174–5SemifinalsXinjiang Flying TigersLoss 1–4
2017–1811–2Finals (Champions)Guangdong Southern TigersWin 4–0
2018–194–4SemifinalsXinjiang Flying TigersLoss 1–4
2019–204–2FinalsGuangdong Southern TigersLoss 1–2
2020–214–2FinalsGuangdong Southern TigersLoss 2–3
2021–229–0Finals (Champions)Zhejiang GuangshaWin 4–0
2022–239–2Finals (Champions)Zhejiang Golden BullsWin 4–0
2023–2410–2Finals (Champions)Xinjiang Flying TigersWin 4–0
2024–253–3SemifinalsZhejiang LionsLoss 0–3
This table summarizes major playoff outcomes from the mid-2010s onward, focusing on progression and results against key opponents. Earlier appearances, such as quarterfinal exits in 2012–13 and 2013–14, laid the groundwork but did not yield deep runs.

Notable players

Domestic players

  • Zhao Jiwei: and captain, key leader in the 2021–24 championships and Finals MVP in 2022–23.
  • Zhang Zhenlin: , standout performer in recent titles and a prominent Chinese national team member.
  • Han Dejun: Center who spent his entire 18-year career with the team, contributing to multiple championships before retiring in September 2025.

International players

Foreign players (外援) in the CBA typically record higher scoring averages than the league average, with top imports often exceeding 30 points per game (PPG) while the overall league player average is around 10-12 PPG. The Liaoning Flying Leopards have historically relied more on domestic players for scoring, with their foreign imports contributing variably (e.g., PPG around 15-25 in past seasons). For the most current data, including the 2024-25 and later seasons, consult official sources such as stats.cba.net.cn or hupu.com/cba.
  • Lester Hudson: American guard, 2017–18 CBA Finals MVP who led the team to its first professional title and holds the league's all-time scoring record as of 2021.
  • : American guard, signed in 2019 as the highest-paid foreign player in CBA history at the time, pivotal in international successes.

References

  1. https://www.shenyang.gov.cn/english/aboutshenyang/shenyangnews/202504/t20250407_4832711.html
  2. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards/1944
  3. https://se.betsapi.com/t/193605/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards
  4. http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2024-05/24/content_117209835.htm
  5. https://en.people.cn/n3/2023/0516/c90000-20018806.html
  6. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/bclasia-2024-news-liaoning-flying-leopards-claim-spot-at-bcl-asia-2024-after-clinching-cba-three-peat
  7. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/teams/liaoning/2025.html
  8. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/610844
  9. https://www.163.com/sports/article/KJ18IN7C0005877V.html
  10. https://sports.cctv.com/2026/01/11/VIDEwP9rEB30hcundMEzXzU4260111.shtml
  11. https://www.365scores.com/en-us/basketball/match/cba-5911/guangdong-southern-tigers-liaoning-flying-leopards-17557-17572-5911
  12. https://www.sofascore.com/basketball/match/liaoning-flying-leopards-xinjiang-flying-tigers/kccbsmccb
  13. https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/basketball/liaoning-flying-leopards/46703/
  14. https://worldofstadiums.com/asia/china/liaoning/liaoning-gymnasium/
  15. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/chn/shenyang_olympic_stadium
  16. https://www.playmakerstats.com/team/liaoning-flying-leopards/221762
  17. https://www.easl.basketball/zh/news/cba-finals-recap-liaoning-defend-championship-in-front-of-rapturous-home-crowd
  18. https://english.news.cn/20240524/10bda86ae9094ebe9bb02c972eef8481/c.html
  19. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%88%98%E6%99%AF%E8%BF%9C/20479816
  20. https://www.sohu.com/a/591506532_138481
  21. https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250816A0688000
  22. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%BE%BD%E5%AE%81%E6%B2%88%E9%98%B3%E4%B8%89%E7%94%9F%E9%A3%9E%E8%B1%B9%E7%AF%AE%E7%90%83%E4%BF%B1%E4%B9%90%E9%83%A8/23801897
  23. https://www.sohu.com/a/679311230_121687414
  24. https://m.cnmeishu.com/news/3440.html
  25. https://www.sohu.com/a/675919391_121687414
  26. http://isports.ifeng.com/51925890/news.shtml
  27. https://basketball.eurobasket.com/team/Liaoning_Flying_Leopards/1944?Page=5
  28. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-01-20/CBA-Roundup-Clark-helps-Xinjiang-rally-past-Liaoning-114-111-NoRCjcZzZS/index.html
  29. https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414f7751444d77457a6333566d54/index.html
  30. https://en.people.cn/n3/2020/1223/c90000-9802207-21.html
  31. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/270056
  32. https://www.asia-basket.com/China/Chinese-Basketball-Association_2022-2023.aspx
  33. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/331682
  34. https://www.asia-basket.com/China/chinese-basketball-association_2023-2024.aspx
  35. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/583846
  36. https://www.facebook.com/PDChinaSports/posts/the-zhejiang-lions-outplayed-the-liaoning-flying-leopards-109-98-sweeping-the-de/1028538279376183/
  37. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/47524/ming-yang
  38. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-20/Coach-Yang-Ming-on-Liaoning-defending-CBA-title-1jXICFy0gdq/index.html
  39. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-05-24/CBA-Veterans-pave-the-way-for-Liaoning-dynasty-as-rising-stars-shine-1tRSZK1XykE/p.html
  40. https://basketball.realgm.com/international/league/40/Chinese-CBA/team/288/Liaoning/rosters
  41. https://english.news.cn/20240425/26f2776df34f4ee9adaec48ece1455f0/c.html
  42. https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/595139
  43. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards/1944/Roster/2025
  44. https://sports.sina.cn/cba/2019-11-04/detail-iicezuev7154978.d.html
  45. https://www.sohu.com/a/351596229_553189
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  47. https://www.fiba.basketball/en/history/111-basketball-champions-league-asia/208849
  48. https://basketball.eurobasket.com/team/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards/1944
  49. https://basketball.asia-basket.com/team/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards/1944/History
  50. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/teams/liaoning/
  51. https://betsapi.com/t/193605/Liaoning-Flying-Leopards
  52. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-08-15/Guangdong-win-10th-title-for-the-team-for-fans-and-Yi-Jianlian-SZ11HohPtm/index.html
  53. https://www.asia-basket.com/China/chinese-basketball-association_2020-2021.aspx
  54. https://english.news.cn/20230515/7db97acc3b104aa6823f4b29e8524755/c.html
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  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpmuYR2CmGk
  57. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-05-02/Guangsha-Lions-sweep-past-Liaoning-Flying-Leopards-to-reach-CBA-Finals-1D2oJ6vgCUE/p.html
  58. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-02/Liaoning-stalwart-Han-Dejun-retires-after-trophy-laden-CBA-career-1GkL6MeUoA8/p.html
  59. https://stats.cba.net.cn/
  60. https://hupu.com/cba
  61. https://utmsports.com/news/2021/1/20/mens-basketball-ut-martin-legend-lester-hudson-becomes-all-time-leading-scorer-in-chinese-basketball-association-history.aspx
  62. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2019-08-01/Liaoning-make-Lance-Stephenson-CBA-s-highest-paid-foreign-player-IO8MUAntNC/index.html
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