Taipei Braves GM acknowledges pressure after rival signs star player

The arrival of CBA guard Lin Ting-chien on a lucrative contract with the Taipei Taishin Mars has sent shockwaves through Taiwanese basketball. As the Mars welcome their first marquee player, the Taipei Fubon Braves, who share Taipei Physical Education College Arena as their home court, are bracing for their first season after the retirement of legend Lin Chih-chieh. The traditional powerhouse Braves now face significant challenges in maintaining popularity, generating buzz, and driving ticket sales.

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There will definitely be pressure. ... This is something that all our players, coaching staff, and marketing team must work on together, because performance is also very important.

Braves General Manager Ye Zongying acknowledged the pressure, stating, "There will definitely be pressure." He added that the club will intensify its efforts in both marketing and performance. "This is something that all our players, coaching staff, and marketing team must work on together, because performance is also very important," Ye said.

Regarding Lin Ting-chien's high-profile return, Ye noted that it's positive for Taiwanese basketball when national-level players have the opportunity to play in Taiwan. "When they play abroad, Taiwanese fans have very little time to see them. Their return is good for the heat of Taiwanese basketball," he commented.

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When they play abroad, Taiwanese fans have very little time to see them. Their return is good for the heat of Taiwanese basketball.

However, Lin Ting-chien's reported salary has also sparked discussions about the need for a salary cap. Ye believes that each team has its own considerations for the salaries they offer. "We still need to continue to grow Taiwanese basketball, including how teams manage their home courts and theme nights, and how to attract fans to come and spend money are all課題 (challenges)," he said. "Currently, we will continue to work hard to expand the market."

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We still need to continue to grow Taiwanese basketball, including how teams manage their home courts and theme nights, and how to attract fans to come and spend money are all課題 (challenges). Currently, we will continue to work hard to expand the market.

With the Mars quickly leveraging Lin Ting-chien's signing for city-wide marketing, Ye admitted that the pressure is constant. He pointed to the New Taipei Kings' consistent performance improving their fan base over the years, despite a relatively stable roster. "We had a tough regular season last year, and this year we will strive for good results. In terms of marketing, we also hope to have more creative ideas to attract fans to the venue."

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We had a tough regular season last year, and this year we will strive for good results. In terms of marketing, we also hope to have more creative ideas to attract fans to the venue.