TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's professional basketball landscape underwent major restructuring Thursday (Aug. 21) as P. LEAGUE+ (PLG, P. LEAGUE+) welcomed new franchise Yankey Engineering Co., Ltd. (洋基工程) following official approval of their membership application. The engineering company outlined ambitious plans to establish a team founded on integrity and health principles, aiming to strengthen Taiwan's professional basketball infrastructure. League officials emphasized that Yankey Engineering's entry represents a commitment to providing sustainable competitive opportunities for Taiwan's basketball talent.
Industry speculation suggests Chien Wei-cheng (錢韋成), who previously served as general manager for the TSG Hawks (台鋼獵鷹), will assume the general manager position with Yankey Engineering's new franchise. Basketball insiders also identified Lee Yi-hua (李逸驊), former head coach of the CTBC DEA (中信特攻), as a leading candidate for the team's head coaching role. Neither appointment has received official confirmation from Yankey Engineering or P. LEAGUE+ management, leaving the new franchise's leadership structure temporarily uncertain.
P. LEAGUE+ officials released a statement Thursday confirming receipt of the Kaohsiung Steelers' (高雄鋼鐵人) formal withdrawal request from Taiwan's premier professional basketball competition. League management completed deliberations and approved the southern Taiwan-based franchise's application to exit the organization. The simultaneous departure of an established team and arrival of a new franchise represents a pivotal moment in Taiwan's professional basketball development and competitive balance. ◼