Taiwan Tech hosts expanded CBL Invitational - 16 elite teams, including NCCU and Chien Hsin University, battle for glory!
Initiated by the Taiwan University System, the College Basketball League (CBL) Home-and-Away Invitational Tournament enters its third year, with Taiwan Tech serving as the host. Last year’s event featured eight teams, but this year the tournament has expanded to 16 participating universities from northern, central, and southern Taiwan, bringing together top collegiate basketball teams. Powerhouses such as National Chengchi University, National Taiwan Normal University, Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology, and National Taiwan University of Arts are all set to compete, promising a thrilling series of high-level matchups.
Taiwan Tech hosts the 3rd CBL College Basketball Home-and-Away Invitational, expanding to 16 universities this year with intensified and more diverse competition.
Since its launch in 2023, the CBL Invitational has stayed true to its mission of promoting intercollegiate exchange, using basketball as a platform to foster teamwork and youthful passion. This year, the tournament has expanded to include eight additional teams from central and southern Taiwan, bringing together 16 universities across the island. The competition has grown both in scale and diversity, promising even greater intensity on the court. The tournament format follows the NCAA-style home-and-away system, allowing each team to play in its own gym and receive support from its fans. This not only heightens the excitement of the games but also engages students, alumni, and the wider community, creating a vibrant sports atmosphere on campuses. Preliminary rounds take place in the first semester, followed by regional finals and the championship in the second semester, sustaining a continuous basketball spirit and energizing student life throughout the academic year.
Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We look forward to this year’s invitational - not only as a stage for skill and performance but also as a meaningful platform for friendship and collaboration among universities.” Li-Kang Chi, Distinguished Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of NTNU, noted that the home-and-away format helps revitalize campus sports culture, giving students more opportunities to cheer for their home teams and ignite basketball fever on campus. The opening ceremony also featured a lively performance by the energetic cheerleading team Kirabase Starry, whose dynamic routines boosted the morale of all 16 participating teams, marking the official start of the tournament.
Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen delivers his opening remarks.
Taiwan Tech President Jia-Yush Yen (right) and NTNU Distinguished Professor of Physical Education and Sport Sciences Li-Kang Chi (left) toss the basketball into the hoop, symbolizing the official start of the tournament.
The cheerleading team Kirabase Starry delivered an energetic performance, pumping up the atmosphere and cheering on all 16 participating teams.
This year’s tournament features a strong lineup of 16 top collegiate teams. In addition to long-standing basketball powerhouses such as National Chengchi University, National Taiwan Normal University, Chien Hsin University of Science and Technology, and National Taiwan University of Arts, the competition also includes National Taiwan University, Fu Jen Catholic University, University of Taipei, National Chung Hsing University, National Taiwan University of Sport, Chiohkuang University of Science and Technology, National Formosa University, CTBC Business School, Taiwan Steel & Technology University, I-Shou University, and National Kaohsiung Normal University - all vying for the championship title.
The northern division kicked off on September 25, with Taiwan Tech facing host National Taiwan University in the opening match of Group B. The two teams were closely matched, but Taiwan Tech secured their first victory with a score of 88–84, showcasing excellent offense, defense, and team coordination. Tonight (September 30) at 7 p.m., Taiwan Tech will host National Taiwan University again, promising an even more thrilling matchup.
Taiwan Tech men’s basketball coach Yong-Hsiang Li noted that the addition of several strong teams this year has significantly increased the level of competition. To meet the challenge, the team has undergone intensive training in tactics, physical conditioning, and teamwork. He emphasized that the players are ready to face their opponents at their best, aiming not only for victory but also to gain valuable experience from each game.
Taiwan Tech faced host National Taiwan University on September 25, kicking off the Northern Division Group B matches, and secured their first victory with a score of 88–84. Photo by Han Cheng.
Match details will be announced gradually in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to follow the Taiwan Tech Sports Office website and the Taiwan Tech men’s basketball team Instagram for the latest updates. For those unable to attend in person, games can also be watched live on the YouTube channel GoHoops, allowing viewers to experience the excitement of the court in real time.
The CBL College Basketball Home-and-Away Invitational is fully supported by the NTU System Cultural Foundation, providing financial backing in line with the tournament’s mission to promote intercollegiate exchange and competitive spirit. This stable support ensures the continued growth of the event and helps establish a long-term, institutionalized platform for collegiate basketball, aiming to make it one of Taiwan’s premier annual university basketball events.
With this year’s tournament officially underway, fans can look forward to a series of high-intensity matchups in the coming months. Young talents from across Taiwan will gather on the court, honing teamwork, adaptability, and resilience - skills that will benefit them beyond basketball—while demonstrating the educational and developmental value of collegiate sports.