The Chinese Football Super League, commonly known as the CSL, is the premier professional football league in China. It stands at the pinnacle of the Chinese football pyramid and is the primary competition for top-tier clubs in the country. Founded in 2004, the league is headquartered in Beijing and operates under the auspices of the Chinese Football Association. The main competition consists of a double round-robin regular season, typically running from March to November, followed by a championship playoff series to determine the ultimate winner. The league currently features 16 teams, though this number has fluctuated over the years. The CSL has grown significantly in global influence and commercial value, famously attracting high-profile international stars and coaches during periods of heavy investment. Its championship trophy is the most coveted domestic honor, with individual accolades including the Chinese Footballer of the Year and the CSL Most Valuable Player award recognizing the league's top talents.