New taipei: The New Taipei Kings, champions of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League's (TPBL) inaugural season, are set to participate in the East Asia Super League (EASL) for the third consecutive year, the league announced Thursday. This marks a significant achievement for the Kings, who will be competing alongside top teams from other East Asian countries.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Kings will join two P.LEAGUE+ (PLG) teams-the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and the Taipei Fubon Braves-in the upcoming EASL season. The international league emphasized the caliber of competition that awaits the Kings as they face teams from Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, and Mongolia.
EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins highlighted New Taipei's consistent performance, noting, "New Taipei is a proven winner and has reached the top time and time again in our league." Kerins expressed enthusiasm about the Kings' participation, describing EASL as the "Champions League of Asian basketball."
Thursday's announcement confirmed New Taipei as the 13th team to enter the upcoming EASL season. While the Kings have participated in the past two seasons, this will be their debut as TPBL champions. The collaboration between the P. LEAGUE+ and TPBL has paved the way for their inclusion in the EASL, as stated by PLG Chief Executive Officer Charles "Blackie" Chen.
The Kings secured their spot in the 2024-25 EASL season by winning the PLG championship in 2023-24. Their participation in the next EASL season was uncertain until the recent confirmation, marking a pivotal moment for the team.
In related developments, TPBL Commissioner Chuang Jui-hsiung confirmed ongoing discussions about a collaboration between the PLG and TPBL for the 2025-26 season. This collaboration is expected to feature a combined total of 10 teams competing in a unified regular season and championship.
Additionally, the PLG received an application from the Hung Kuo group to join the league after the Kaohsiung Steelers' disbandment. While the league welcomed the application, it emphasized the focus on collaboration between the two leagues and the adherence to their letters of intent.
The Hung Kuo group expressed respect for the decision of the two leagues and looks forward to contributing to their collaborative efforts, aiming to enhance Taiwan's basketball talent and resources.