Taiwan Launches Professional Pickleball League, Player Zhong Zhen-wei Welcomes Move

CNA (Taipei, May 22) Taiwan will establish a professional league called the "Asia Elite Pickleball League (AEPL)," marking a new milestone for the sport. Taiwanese professional player Zhong Zhen-wei said today, "Finally, I don't have to keep flying abroad to compete." Asia Elite Pickleball Co., Ltd. announced the league today, with the season scheduled to start in early August and run until the finals in November. The league plans to feature six teams across eight venues, with a total prize pool of NT$1 million. Zhong, who has been competing internationally for years, told CNA, "On average, players have to go abroad for at least two to three tournaments a month, costing at least NT$30,000 per trip. It's a heavy burden." The 26-year-old, who switched from tennis, highlighted the sport's fast pace and reaction requirements. He hopes Taiwan can eventually match the popularity of pickleball seen in countries like Vietnam.