With the continuous development of the global sports industry, scholars are increasingly focusing on the study of competitive balance. However, research on competitive balance, particularly regarding the Chinese professional sports leagues, is still in its early stages. This study is exploratory qualitative research that adopts a constraint theory to explore the necessity and constraints of competitive balance in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Data collected through interviews were analyzed using grounded theory, revealing three core categories: internal influence, external influence, and core concept. The study establishes a model of factors influencing competitive balance, highlighting the integral role of competitive balance in the development of the CBA. This study provides practical guidance for maintaining or enhancing competitive balance in the CBA, enabling Chinese professional sports organizations to utilize the guidance to enhance the quality of game products and services in the future.