Introduction: This article studies the values in professional sport in China, analyzes the relationships among the entities involved—individual, society and the nation, and examines the factors which have most influenced the development of professional sport in China. Methods The information presented in this paper was obtained through a literature review and interviews with experts. Results Three entities can be identified in the practice of professional sport: individuals, society and the nation. The relationships among these are determined by the differing values of the West and China in sport. In the West, the individual`s desire is regarded as the central value, and meeting the needs of the audience is the primary goal. In striving to realize this goal, the respective economic and political interests of society and the nation are met. The organization of professional sport continues to function smoothly as a result of the individual roles played by each of the entities. In China, professional sport still follows the conventions of the past, with most value placed on national interests. Meeting the needs of the political and economic appeals of the management organization is considered the supreme goal. The emphasis placed on national interests leads to the ignorance of the interests of individuals and society. The interplay between the interests of the three entities deviates from the law of the development of a market economy, and causes problems for the development of professional sport. Discussion 1. Professional Sport is the product of labor division and market economy, and its important organizational systems include both the club and league systems. Professional sport follows the market-oriented economic principles of demand determining supply, and consumption determining production. 2. The core value of professional sport lies in the satisfaction of the audience`s needs for appreciation and entertainment. 3. Professional sport in China will inevitably follow the conventional values of Chinese sport, the primary motive being to win honor for the homeland. 4. The current logic behind the development of professional sport in China is the concept of product first and then market, and supply determining demand. This differs from the law in market economy and the deviation of the values results in the issues for sport in China. 5. Such problems can be eliminated only through the comprehensive re-establishment of the values of professional sport in China.
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