At that time, there was no conflict in time between the CNBA and the National Men's Basketball League A (CBA), which was hosted by the Chinese Basketball Association and traditionally played on Wednesdays and Sundays. The CNBA League also fought a lawsuit with the NBA over this term, and was eventually forced to change its name.

The CNBA league, which just opened, was sued in court due to infringement issues. On November 18, 1996, the NBA of the National Professional Basketball Association entrusted Fortuna Intellectual Property Information Services Co., Ltd. to file complaints with the Trademark Office and Bureau of Fair Trade of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of China, and the National Sports Commission, believing that "CNBA" was a violation of the NBA. This dilution weakens and damages the original personality and value of the NBA. It infringes on the exclusive rights of trademarks and constitutes unjust enrichment, thereby violating the principle of fair competition. It was later learned that the CNBA League was finally forced to change its name to the CMBA League next season.