# New CSL Season Announced with Initial Schedule Confirmed
The highly anticipated Chinese Super League (CSL) season is set to kick off, with the league organizing body confirming the initial match schedule. Fans across the country are gearing up for another thrilling season of top-tier football, as the CSL continues to dominate Chinese football and attract global attention.
The official match schedule was revealed earlier this week, with the season starting on **October 15, 2023**. The league will feature **22 teams** in total, including 18 from the CSL and 4 promoted from the second-tier league, ensuring fierce competition and excitement. Teams will face each other in a **double round-robin format**, meaning each side will play every other team twice, resulting in a total of **34 matches per team**.
Highlights of the initial schedule include the opening match, which will be a highly anticipated clash between the defending champions **Shanghai Haigang FC** and the newly promoted **Changchun Yatai FC**. This opening fixture is expected to draw massive crowds to the stadium and set the tone for the season.
The CSL has also introduced a revised format for this season, with a **split round-robin system** in the first phase. Teams will be divided into two groups, with the top half competing against each other in the first phase, followed by the bottom half in the second phase. This approach aims to reduce the number of fixture congestion while maintaining the intensity and unpredictability of the league.
With the likes of **Wu Xinghao**, **Cao Yanning**, and **Marco Casassa** among the standout players to watch, fans can expect breathtaking skills, tactical brilliance, and dramatic moments on the field. The CSL’s star power and competitive nature make it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts worldwide.
As the season approaches, the CSL is once again poised to deliver unforgettable moments, giving football fans in China and beyond a gift they won’t forget. Stay tuned for updates, highlights, and more as the season unfolds!