TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Rosa Chien, commissioner of the T1 League, discussed the possibility of merging with the P. LEAGUE+ (PLG) on Tuesday (April 30), expressing optimism but acknowledging potential delays.
Chien revealed that she frequently meets with PLG CEO Webber Cheng. While communication between the two is unimpeded, both have many tasks to accomplish, and time continues to pass. Chien admitted that a merger this year would be "somewhat difficult," but the two leagues have already begun collaborating on public welfare activities.
"Everyone has this idea and expectation (of merging), but how to integrate is a big project," Chien said. She likened the merger of the two leagues to reconstructing an old building, with both the builder and the original residents having expectations but encountering many difficulties in execution. Therefore, she believes the merger timeline will not be so fast.
The T1 League is in its third season, with the number of participating teams reduced from six to five. Chien revealed that there are still teams wanting to join, and she does not rule out the possibility of increasing the number of participating teams.
The T1 League playoffs kick off on May 4, with the best-of-seven championship series starting on May 24 and ending no later than June 7. The first round of the best-of-five series will see the defending champions, New Taipei CTBC DEA, take on new members Taipei Mars. The Taiwan Beer Leopards, making their first playoff appearance, will face the Kaohsiung Aquas.