China: CNFL Dominates, Expands to 33 Teams for the 2022 Season
Once home to three American football leagues, China now has just one. Following a challenging two years, the China National Football League (CNFL), the oldest and most prestigious American football league in the country, has emerged as the undisputed leader in the Chinese American football scene.
In 2020, the league temporarily reduced to 10 teams as many clubs suspended operations. However, by the following season, the CNFL returned with 18 teams, attracting several teams that had previously been part of the City Bowl. With the Z League and City Bowl both folding, the CNFL has navigated the chaos like a steady lifeboat, bringing in new teams and welcoming back familiar faces. As a result, the CNFL has expanded to 33 teams for the 2022 season.
Defending champions, the Shanghai Titans, aim to retain their title, but the Chengdu Pandaman, still recovering from two consecutive championship game losses, are eager to claim their first title.
CNFL commissioner Datong Wang shared his excitement about the league’s growth:
“This will be the 10th season for CNFL. The league started in 2013 with eight teams, and now, with 33 teams, it’s the largest in league history. This is an exciting time for the league, players, and fans. The 2022 season will be thrilling, and everyone is looking forward to it.”
The 2022 CNFL season will continue with its traditional four divisions: North, East, South, and West. Given the league’s expanded size, the playoff format will see the top five teams from the North and East divisions, with the top three teams from the smaller West and South divisions, qualifying for the postseason.
North Division:
Beijing Commander – New to CNFL this year
Beijing Cyclones – 2nd year in the CNFL, one of the original 8 and played from 2013/2014, left in 2015, returned in 2022
Changchun Icebreakers – New to CNFL this year
Harbin Tigers – New to CNFL this year
Jinan Mammoths – New to CNFL this year
Peking Watchers – New to CNFL this year
Qingdao Conquerors – 2nd year, joined in 2019
Shenyang Hunters – New to CNFL this year
Shenyang Spartans – 1st, joined CNFL in 2021
Shijiazhuang Liberators – New to CNFL this year
Tianjin Black Sails – New to CNFL this year
Tianjin Pirates – 5, one of the original 8 teams in 2013, left 2014, came back 2017-2019, sat out 2020, returned 2021
In 2021, the CNFL lacked a team in China’s capital city, but this year, as part of the North Division’s expansion to 12 teams, three Beijing-based teams have joined the league. The Commander and Watchers are new additions, while the Cyclones, previously part of the AFLC, make their return after a lengthy absence. The Shenyang Hunters, who were the inaugural and only champions of the North-South Football League that briefly emerged from the remnants of the City Bowl last year, bring valuable experience to the league.
Week 1 Recap:
As is becoming tradition, the North Division kicked off the CNFL season. The biggest surprise came with the visiting Changchun Icebreakers, who stunned the Shenyang Hunters with a narrow win in heavy rain. The Hunters, who have been strong contenders in past seasons across different leagues, were widely considered one of the division’s favorites going into the year.
Another notable result came from the Qingdao Conquerors, a rising powerhouse in the North. Having reached the semifinals in the last two seasons, they dominated the Black Sails, further solidifying their position as the division’s frontrunners.
Week 1 Results:
- Peking Watchers 18, Beijing Commander 10
- Changchun Icebreakers 19, Shenyang Hunters 18
- Jinan Mammoths 34, Beijing Cyclones 20
- Shenyang Spartans 14, Tianjin Pirates 3
- Qingdao Conquerors 31, Tianjin Black Sails 0
- Shijiazhuang Liberators 42, Harbin Tigers 1
East Division:
Hangzhou Ospreys – New to CNFL this year
Hangzhou Smilodons – 5, joined CNFL in 2017
Nanjing Tigers – New to CNFL this year
Shanghai Wolves – New to CNFL this year
Shanghai Nighthawks – 4th, joined CNFL in 2014, left in 2018, returned 2022
Shanghai Streetcats – 3rd, joined CNFL in 2019
Shanghai Titans – 8th, joined CNFL in 2014
Shanghai Warriors – 7th, one of the original 8 teams in 2013, left in 2020, returned 2022
Suzhou Blue Knights – New to CNFL this year
Xuzhou Chuhan – New to CNFL this year
The East Division has long been the powerhouse of the CNFL, with its marquee teams—the Shanghai Nighthawks, Titans, and Warriors—all having won championships. For the first time since 2017, these legendary Shanghai teams are united in the same league, reigniting old rivalries. They are joined by a fifth Shanghai team, the Wolves. The rest of the division is bolstered by the 2020 CNFL champions, the Hangzhou Smilodons, along with several teams from the now-defunct City Bowl.
Week 1 Recap:
Despite a strong challenge from the Ospreys, the defending champion Shanghai Titans began their season on a winning note, relying on their powerful running game to dominate the fourth quarter and secure the victory.
A standout result was the Shanghai Streetcats’ 20-6 upset over the Shanghai Nighthawks. While the Nighthawks are the oldest American football team in China and have a storied legacy, the upstart Streetcats capitalized on two interceptions returned for touchdowns to claim the win. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Wolves vs. Shanghai Warriors game was postponed due to thunderstorms.
Week 1 Results:
- Shanghai Streetcats 20, Shanghai Nighthawks 6
- Nanjing Tigers 36, Suzhou Blue Knights 0
- Shanghai Titans 34, Hangzhou Ospreys 19
- Hangzhou Smilodons 46, Xuzhou Chuhan 0
- Shanghai Wolves vs. Shanghai Warriors (Postponed)
South Division:
Foshan South China Tigers – 8, one of the original 8 in 2013, left in 2014, rejoined in 2015
Guangzhou Apaches – 8, joined CNFL in 2014
Guangzhou Goats – 1, played in 2014, left in 2015, rejoined in 2022
Gun Cavalry (Nanchang) – 1, joined CNFL in 2021
Shenzhen Buffaloes – New to CNFL this year
Wuhan Spicy
Despite the absence of the three Hong Kong teams and Taipei, which remain sidelined due to COVID protocols, the South Division has seen the addition of several new teams from the City Bowl, including the Shenzhen Buffaloes and the Guangzhou Goats. The Wuhan Spicy may be considered a new team on paper, but their roster is packed with familiar faces from the 2019 champion Wuhan Berserkers. Interestingly, the Spicy were founded by Wang Shida, currently playing in the EFL with the Cologne Centurions.
Week 1 Recap:
The South Division kicked off with a pair of thrilling, close games. The Foshan South China Tigers secured a hard-fought victory over the Wuhan Spicy in a back-and-forth battle. Foshan’s win was sealed with a crucial red-zone stop as Wuhan was on the verge of scoring at the Foshan 10-yard line when time ran out.
Week 1 Results:
- Foshan South China Tigers 28, Wuhan Spicy 26
- Guangzhou Apaches 22, Shenzhen Buffaloes 18
- Gun Cavalry 21, Guangzhou Goats 0 (Forfeit)
West
Chengdu Pandaman – 7, joined CNFL in 2015
Chongqing McFuries – 4, joined CNFL in 2017, sat out 2020, returned in 2021
Tibet Khyung – New to CNFL this year
Xian Panthers – 1, played in 2018, rejoined for 2022
Zhengzhou Steamer – 4, joined in 2018
While the Chengdu Pandaman remain two-time runners-up, the most exciting new addition to the West Division this year is the Tibet Khyung. Though they’ll only be playing road games this season, there’s potential for the Khyung to one day host a team in the high plateaus of Tibet.
Week 1 Recap:
The only game played in the West during Week 1 featured the Zhengzhou Steamer taking on the Xi’an Panthers. Zhengzhou, a team that has steadily improved in recent years, showcased their progress by easily defeating the Panthers.
Unfortunately, the Tibet Khyung team was unable to travel to Chengdu due to unforeseen circumstances, leading to the postponement of their game until further notice.
Week 1 Results:
- Zhengzhou Steamer 32, Xi’an Panthers 12
- Chengdu Pandaman vs. Tibet Khyung (Postponed)
With the CNFL celebrating its 10th year, the future looks brighter than ever for the top league in Chinese American Football. The 2022 season officially kicked off on July 23rd with the North Division beginning its regular season, followed by the other three divisions on August 13th. The competition promises to be fiercer than ever, with numerous teams vying for the championship.
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/china-cnfl-emerges-as-king-of-the-hill-expands-to-33-teams-for-the-2022-season/#google_vignette
