China 's first pro league was established in 1994 -- just a year after the MLS began in the U.S. -- .
China 's first pro league was transitioned into its current format , the 16 - team Super League , in 2004 .
China 's first pro league was established in 1994 -- just a year after the MLS began in the U.S. -- and transitioned into its current format , the 16 - team Super League , in 2004 .