P.League+ Welcomes Yankey Engineering as New Franchise

The P.League+ (PLG) has officially approved the addition of a new franchise, Yankey Engineering, to maintain a four-team format for the upcoming season. The announcement comes after a recent attempt to collaborate with the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) fell through. This move is particularly significant as the league addresses challenges stemming from a reduction in team numbers last season.

Yankey Engineering, based in Hsinchu City, will establish a subsidiary dedicated to managing the new team. The PLG’s executive council approved this application, indicating a strategic push to restore competitive variety within the league. With the exit of the Kaohsiung Steelers, who have withdrawn after four seasons, the addition of Yankey is crucial for the league’s stability.

The Steelers’ departure marks a significant shift for the PLG, which saw its team count decrease from six to four last year. The Steelers, who joined the league in summer 2021, formally requested to exit, a decision that the PLG accepted. This reduction in teams prompted the league to seek new franchises to ensure a robust competitive environment.

Last month, discussions between the PLG and TPBL aimed at cooperation for the upcoming season were initiated. However, these talks ended when the PLG approached Hung Kuo Group about forming a fourth team, which the TPBL viewed as a violation of their collaborative terms. The PLG denied any wrongdoing in this matter, while Hung Kuo expressed gratitude for the PLG’s invitation but confirmed it would not participate in any leagues until the 2026-2027 season. This situation underscored the urgency for the PLG to secure a new franchise to avoid further instability.

As the PLG prepares for the next season, the decision to welcome Yankey Engineering demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining competitive balance. The official home court for the new team has yet to be determined, adding an element of anticipation for fans and stakeholders alike. With this new addition, the PLG aims to revitalize its league and enhance the overall basketball experience in Taiwan.