During the 2004–05 CBA season, Liaoning finished in first place in the North Division, but lost in the Quarter-Finals of the CBA Playoffs to the South Division's Yunnan Bulls. The team would then go on to place seventh and fourth, respectively, over the next two years, before advancing to the CBA Finals following the 2007–08 CBA season. Although Liaoning eventually lost to the Guangdong Southern Tigers, the club did win the fourth game of the series. This was the team's first victory in the CBA Finals, despite multiple appearances. After finishing in fifth place in the 2009–10 CBA season, Liaoning would miss both the 2010–11 and the 2011–12 CBA playoffs.[citation needed]
In 2011, Liaoning Scale Industry took over sponsorship from the Liaoning Panpan Group Co., Ltd.[citation needed]
Before the 2012–13 CBA season began, the roster received a massive upheaval. Liaoning made multiple changes including the signings of Josh Akognon and Alexander Johnson. Meanwhile, veteran Bian Qiang retired, and many local players were either transferred or loaned out to other CBA teams. One of the most significant player transactions that occurred was the decision to let go of Zhang Qingpeng.[1] It would later be revealed that this move was made in the interest of developing sharpshooter Guo Ailun.[2] On December 2, 2012, the Flying Leopards beat the Tianjin Gold Lions 100–81. This was Liaoning's sixth straight home victory against Tianjin.[3]
The Flying Leopards have since become regular contenders for the CBA title again, powered by such players as Guo, Han Dejun, and multi-time CBA International MVP Lester Hudson. Liaoning lost to the Beijing Ducks in six games in the 2015 CBA Finals, and to Sichuan Blue Whales in five games in the 2016 CBA Finals. After Game 3 of the 2016 Finals, a brawl broke between players from the visiting Liaoning Flying Leopards and fans of the Sichuan Blue Whales.[citation needed]
In the 2017–18 CBA season, Liaoning defeated Zhejiang Lions in the finals (4–0) and won their first CBA league title.[5] The team relocated their home stadium from Benxi to Shenyang during the play-offs semi-finals.[6]
In 2019, 3SBio Inc. officially took the sponsorship, and changed the team name.[7] In the 2020–21 season, former national team player Yang Ming became the new head coach.[8]
In the 2021–22 season, the Flying Leopards won their second CBA title after sweeping Zhejiang Lions 4–0 in the final, the same as in 2018.[9] They defended the title the following season by another 4–0 sweep against Zhejiang Golden Bulls, clinching their third championship.[10]
Players
Current roster
Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationality not displayed.
