"The Kün'lun team has undergone a rebranding, now known as the Shanghai Dragons, complete with a new club name and emblem"
Shanghai Dragons Rebrand and Return to Chinese Soil for 2025/26 KHL Season
The Continental Hockey League (KHL) is set for a significant change as the Chinese franchise, previously known as Kunlun Red Star, rebrands as the Shanghai Dragons for the upcoming 2025/26 season [1][4][5]. This transformation marks a permanent move to Shanghai, China, and a return to Chinese soil after the team had been based near Moscow due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rebranding process includes a new name, logo, and visual identity, with the team now officially named Shanghai Dragons and competing under this identity in the KHL Western Conference [4]. The new logo features a mythical dragon, designed in the traditional club colours of red and blue, with a modern design.
The change in identity is met with renewed optimism for hockey's growth in China. The team's home games will be held at the "SKY Arena" in St. Petersburg in the 2025/26 season [2][3]. This venue change is temporary, as the team plans to find a permanent home in Shanghai.
Unlike Russian teams, which are allowed a maximum of 5 foreigners per match roster, the Shanghai Dragons do not have this restriction [6]. This unique status gives the team a potential advantage in roster building compared to other teams. The team's aim is to build a stronger local presence in China’s largest city and hockey market.
The Shanghai Dragons, as the direct successor to Kunlun Red Star, are looking to surpass their previous achievements. The team made it to the playoffs for the first and only time in the 2016/17 season, with their best result to date. However, last season, the team finished 9th in the Western Conference.
The revamped Shanghai Dragons team will make its debut in the 2025/26 season with its new name and symbolism. The team's press service stated that the new brand better reflects its connection to Shanghai [7]. The team's fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season on September 5, hoping for a strong performance from their rebranded team.
[1] - Kunlun Red Star rebrands as Shanghai Dragons [2] - Shanghai Dragons to host home games at SKY Arena in St. Petersburg [3] - Shanghai Dragons confirm SKY Arena as temporary home for 2025/26 season [4] - Shanghai Dragons: Rebranding and Return to China [5] - Shanghai Dragons: A New Era Begins [6] - Shanghai Dragons: Unique Roster Building Advantage [7] - Shanghai Dragons: New Brand Better Reflects Shanghai Connection
Sports enthusiasts in Shanghai may likely find excitement in the new sports landscape with the revamped Shanghai Dragons, the rebranded Kunlun Red Star hockey team, contesting in the Continental Hockey League (KHL) for the 2025/26 season. The bookmakers may see a potential shift in the competitive balance, given that the Shanghai Dragons, unlike Russian teams, are allowed a maximum of 5 foreigners per match roster.
