The Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) is Taiwan’s premier professional baseball league. Established in 1989, the CPBL has become a cornerstone of Taiwanese sports culture. As of 2025, the league comprises six competitive teams, each contributing to the vibrant landscape of Taiwanese baseball.
Current Teams in the CPBL
As of the 2025 season, the CPBL features the following six teams:
- CTBC Brothers: Based in Taichung City, the Brothers have a rich history and a passionate fan base.
- Fubon Guardians: Located in New Taipei City, the Guardians are known for their strong performances and community engagement.
- Rakuten Monkeys: Hailing from Taoyuan City, the Monkeys bring energy and innovation to the league.
- Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions: Based in Tainan City, the Lions are one of the founding members of the CPBL and have a storied legacy.
- Wei Chuan Dragons: Operating out of Taipei City, the Dragons have made a significant impact since their reactivation in 2020.
- TSG Hawks: The newest addition to the league, the Hawks are based in Kaohsiung City and joined the CPBL in 2024.
Team Histories and Achievements
CTBC Brothers
Originally known as the Brother Elephants, the team was established in 1984 and joined the CPBL in 1990. Over the years, the Brothers have secured multiple championships and have been a consistent force in the league.
Fubon Guardians
The Guardians have undergone several transformations, previously known as the EDA Rhinos and La New Bears. They became the Fubon Guardians in 2017 and have since been a competitive presence in the league.
Rakuten Monkeys
Formerly the Lamigo Monkeys, the team was acquired by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten in 2019. The Monkeys are known for their dynamic play and strong fan engagement.
Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions
As one of the original teams of the CPBL, the Lions have a rich history of success, including multiple Taiwan Series championships. They are renowned for their consistent performance and loyal fan base.
Wei Chuan Dragons
The Dragons were one of the founding teams of the CPBL but were disbanded in 1999. They were reactivated in 2020 and have quickly reestablished themselves as a competitive team, winning the Taiwan Series in 2023.
TSG Hawks
Established in 2022, the TSG Hawks joined the CPBL in 2024. As the newest team, they bring fresh energy and have been working to build a strong foundation in the league.
League Structure and Season Format
The CPBL season runs from March to October and is divided into two halves, each consisting of 60 games per team. An All-Star break separates the two halves, providing a mid-season showcase of talent. The league’s playoff system includes the winners of each half-season and a wild card team, ensuring a competitive postseason.
Stadiums and Fan Experience
Each team has its home stadium, contributing to the unique atmosphere of the league:
- CTBC Brothers: Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium
- Fubon Guardians: Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium
- Rakuten Monkeys: Rakuten Taoyuan Baseball Stadium
- Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions: Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium
- Wei Chuan Dragons: Tianmu Baseball Stadium
- TSG Hawks: Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium
The CPBL is known for its enthusiastic fans, cheerleaders, and lively game-day experiences, making attending a game a memorable event.
International Influence and Foreign Players
The CPBL attracts talent from around the world, with foreign players contributing significantly to the league’s competitiveness. Teams are allowed to have up to four foreign players on their roster, with three active in the major league at any given time. This international presence enhances the quality of play and brings diverse experiences to the league.
Development and Minor League System
The CPBL operates a minor league system to develop young talent and provide depth to the major league teams. Each of the six teams has a minor league affiliate, ensuring a steady pipeline of players ready to step up to the major league level.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The CPBL has expressed interest in further expansion, with discussions about potential new teams from regions like Okinawa and Australia. Such growth would increase the league’s competitiveness and global reach, solidifying its status in the world of professional baseball.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the CPBL comprises six dynamic teams, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Taiwanese baseball. With a robust season structure, passionate fan base, and ongoing development initiatives, the league continues to thrive and evolve. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, the CPBL offers an exciting and engaging baseball experience.
Related topics:
- Kokomo Jackrabbits: Which League Are They a Part of?
- USPBL Uncovered: The Heartbeat of Independent Baseball in Metro Detroit
- From Home Run Shootouts to Fan Ownership: What Sets the Pioneer League Apart?
