KC Global Media Welcomes TPBL Star Kenny Chien as First Active Player to Commentate League Finals
SINGAPORE, KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and TAIPEI, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KC Global Media is proud to announce that Kenny Chien, guard, Taipei Taishin Mars, will join TPBL's English-language commentary team for game 2 and 3 of the 2025 TPBL Finals, airing on 18 June, Wednesday and 21 June, Saturday on AXN Asia.
This marks a groundbreaking moment in Taiwanese professional basketball, as Chien becomes the first active player in TPBL history to step into a live broadcast role during the league finals. Known for his high basketball IQ and deep commitment to the game, Chien brings a fresh and authentic voice to this season's biggest stage.
"We're incredibly thrilled to have Kenny join our English commentary team," said George Chien, Co-founder, President & CEO at KC Global Media. "As an active player, his insight is unmatched — he's lived the pressure, knows the locker room energy, and understands the game's rhythm from the inside out. He's had a strong season on the court, and now fans will get to experience his passion and perspective from the commentary booth. It's a refreshing and exciting twist that will bring our regional audience even closer to the action."
Born in the U.S. to Taiwanese heritage, Chien's basketball journey has become one of Taiwan's most inspiring sports stories. From playing at Broward College to making an impact in the ASEAN Basketball League and P. LEAGUE+ with Formosa Dreamers, and now the TPBL, Kenny has earned accolades like:
First Team All Defense (P. LEAGUE+, 2022)
All PLG Second Team (P. LEAGUE+, 2022)
Most Improved Player (P. LEAGUE+, 2022)
ABL Top 30 Players (2019)
This past season, Chien played a crucial role for the Taipei Taishin Mars, averaging nearly 10 points per game and logging major minutes in the playoffs. His signature hustle, defensive mindset, and leadership continue to shape Taiwan's emerging basketball identity.
As a commentator, fans can expect Chien to provide real-time tactical breakdowns, player insights, and a behind-the-scenes look only an active pro can offer. Game 2 and 3 of the TPBL Finals will stream live on AXN YouTube on 18 June and 21 June respectively, followed by a full broadcast on AXN Asia. Tune in to experience the finals from a whole new angle, with one of the league's very own on the mic.
For more information about TPBL, and broadcast details, please visit AXN Facebook or Instagram page.
About AXN Asia
AXN features exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and ground-breaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, and all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From CSI: Vegas, FBI franchise, The Rookie, NCIS: Hawai'i and The Amazing Race, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action. In Asia, AXN reaches more than 18.6 million households in 18 territories.
Website: AXN-Asia.com | Facebook: @AXNAsia | Instagram: @AXNAsia | YouTube: AXN Asia |TikTok: @AXNAsia | X (Twitter): @AXNAsia
About Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL)
The Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) is Taiwan's premier professional basketball league, bringing elite players, passionate fans, and world-class entertainment to create an electrifying basketball experience. Featuring seven dynamic teams—Taipei Mars, New Taipei Kings, New Taipei CTBC DEA, Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards, Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers, Formosa Dreamers, and Kaohsiung Aquas—TPBL showcases high-intensity competition and unforgettable moments on the court. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and fan engagement, TPBL is shaping the future of professional basketball in Asia and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Website: https://tpbl.basketball/ | Facebook: @TPBL.basketball | Instagram: @tpbl.tw (ZH) and @tpbl.basketball (EN) | YouTube: tpbl.basketball |TikTok: @tpbl.basketball
About KC Global Media
KC Global Media Entertainment LLC is a global multi-media company based in the United States. The brainchild of former Sony executives Andy Kaplan and George Chien, KC Global Media Asia (KCGM Asia) is Asia's leading entertainment hub through the production, distribution and programming of quality, ground-breaking content. Backed by more than two decades of industry experience, KCGM Asia boasts an impressive portfolio of premium pay-TV channels in Asia, including English-language general entertainment network AXN, Japanese anime content channel Animax, South Korea's ONE, Japanese entertainment channel, GEM, our first English language general entertainment FAST (Fast Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel, KCM, and AXN Sports block which features LIVE broadcast of LIV Golf and TPBL. By combining award-winning and well-loved entertainment formats with extensive knowledge and insight of the Asia Pacific market, KCGM Asia is paving the way for a new standard of entertainment in Asia and beyond.
Website: www.KCGlobalMedia.com | Facebook: @KCGlobalMedia | Instagram: @KCGlobalMediaAsia | LinkedIn: @KCGlobalMediaAsia
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/kc-global-media-welcomes-tpbl-star-kenny-chien-as-first-active-player-to-commentate-league-finals-302484958.html
SOURCE KC Global Media Asia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent point guards: Rockets keep Fred VanVleet in the fold with new contract
As we approach the NBA offseason, several players' situations are unclear, either due to unrestricted free agency status, or team/player options hanging over their heads. Still, it's time to break down the potential top point guards in this year's free-agent market. Advertisement (Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference's positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes. So if you're looking for James Harden and Kyrie Irving, you'll find them in the shooting guard section.) Free-agent position rankings: Shooting guards | Small forwards 1. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets Status: Agreed to 2-year, $50 million deal Since becoming an All-Star in 2022, VanVleet has seen his scoring diminish every year since. That doesn't mean he isn't important to the Rockets as their main facilitator, but almost $45 million for a guy who barely cracked 14 points and didn't even crack 38% shooting overall is a lot. Advertisement Given that this year's market flat-out isn't flush with cash, the Rockets were wise to decline the $44.9 million option and negotiate a deal at a lesser price. 2. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs Status: Unrestricted free agent Paul loved his stay in San Antonio, which is worth noting in terms of his future, but the franchise did not make the postseason, which you have to assume is a priority to him. Also a priority is spending time with his family, which means he's likely exploring all angles. At 40 years old, could one of those options be retirement? What makes sense: With Paul residing in California, and the Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić this past season, it may make sense to link up with him and LeBron James, the latter of whom is a close friend. 3. Tyus Jones, Phoenix Suns Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Jones' plan of signing with the Suns for a starting role and perhaps competing for a title didn't go as planned as Phoenix failed to make the postseason. Could this influence his value? Given that he signed a minimum deal last summer, the arrow only points up if he decides to chase the money this summer. The 29-year-old remains one of the league's most secure ball-handlers and a strong 3-point shooter (41.4%), which virtually everyone has a use for. What makes sense: Jones as a backup point guard on a good team, especially behind a young player in need of further development. Portland wouldn't be a bad destination. 4. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls Status: Restricted free agent Advertisement The raw numbers make Giddey look like a future All-Star, but the advanced numbers unearth several concerning areas, such as a general shooting inefficiency and defensive issues — two key elements for most highly paid players in today's league. Chicago, however, appears to love the guy, which raises the question: Will it make him an offer outright, as opposed to letting him go through restricted free agency? If the Bulls jump the gun, that could add several million onto the books. What makes sense: The Bulls hold all the cards here. Entering free agency believing otherwise could prove catastrophic. Let someone else dictate his market, because odds are good no one will break the bank for him despite the headline-grabbing stats. 5. Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement There's no question that Jerome turned in one of the most surprising seasons of any player in the league, as he carved out a role for himself on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thus significantly raising his own value. Of course, Cleveland's roster is already expensive, and it doesn't have Jerome's full Bird rights, which only makes the situation that much more complicated. The Cavaliers have to prepare themselves for the likelihood Jerome is off to somewhere else for a bigger payday. What makes sense: Jerome probably isn't a starter on a team with tall aspirations, but he could be a perfectly valid sixth man who plays more than he did this year and puts up starting-caliber numbers with high shooting efficiency. There aren't any teams around that couldn't use that, so he should have several suitors to choose from. The Toronto Raptors, who are in need of guard depth, wouldn't be a bad destination. Advertisement Best of the rest 6. Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards Status: Unrestricted free agent The 32-year-old is efficient and effective when on the floor, but his injury history indicates his floor time will be limited. Teams are keenly aware of this, so while he'll have several suitors, don't expect anyone to hand out a large contract. He'd make an interesting fit with the Lakers as a backup to Luka Dončić. 7. D'Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets Status: Unrestricted free agent Russell has reached the point in his career, where the secret is out. He's not year-to-year consistent in his performance, and his defensive warts remain substantial. He can score a bit, shoot a bit and pass a bit, but rarely put it all together. Orlando should give him a look, but only at a price point it feels comfortable with. 8. Dennis Schröder, Detroit Pistons Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Schröder is capable, he's fast and he can get you points if you need them, even if you need them at a scaled up capacity. However, he remains an iffy shooter, his defense isn't what it once was, and he's getting older. He'll get a contract, but don't expect it to run more than a couple of years and at a modest compensation level.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Top NBA free-agent small forwards: It's tough to imagine LeBron James leaving the Lakers
There's a legend at the top of the list, but things drop off pretty quickly after that. Let's break down the top small forwards in this year's free agent market, with the negotiating window opening at 6 p.m. ET June 30. Advertisement (Note: Positions are being determined off Basketball-Reference's positional breakdowns, meaning a player will be listed at the position in which he played the most minutes.) Free-agent position rankings: Point guards | Shooting guards 1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Status: Player option Value of option: $52,627,153 Another year, another LeBron James player option. The man likes his control, and who can blame him? After all, he's 40 now and the most statistically accomplished player in NBA history. Keeping his own options open seems fair, especially as the end has to be near. (Right? It has to be, doesn't it? He's 40 for crying out loud!) Advertisement James remains a top-20 player — some will argue he's higher, and there's certainly a case to be made for that — so his decision will have ripple effects for the Lakers, but it would be fairly surprising if wasn't back with L.A. What makes sense: His son, Bronny, is a Laker, so another year of on-court bonding should be of interest to James. More than likely, he opts out and signs a new one-plus-one deal, maintaining control of his future. 2. Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers Status: Player option Value of option: $8,382,150 The 29-year-old wing might not be an All-Star, but he can score at a fairly high level (16.6 points over his past three seasons), is a decent rebounder and will compete defensively even if that side of the floor doesn't always come naturally to him. Advertisement That type of production isn't always easy to install onto a team, as Oubre does need shots and touches without being super efficient, but if he were to accept a sixth-man role on a good team, perhaps there's a path to success that could see him and the team he signs with level up. What makes sense: The Sixers are a bit of a mess, but that also means they could have a need for scoring. If Oubre dreams of producing a lot of numbers, sticking around makes sense. If his priority is to join a good team, taking a smaller deal in Boston to serve as a one-year replacement for Jayson Tatum shouldn't be ruled out. 4. Caris LeVert, Atlanta Hawks Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement LeVert isn't usually a pillar of efficiency, but this year he seemed more deliberate and careful with his shots, leading to one of the best years of his career, albeit in somewhat low volume. The 30-year-old seems to be embracing his new life as a backup wing, one that suits him given that a starting spot is a bit too much for him. What makes sense: There are minutes to be found in Atlanta, so sticking around isn't the worst idea. He won't be receiving starter-money offers regardless, so optimizing the situation should be his priority. 5. Taurean Prince, Milwaukee Bucks Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Sometimes, you just need someone who is predictable and consistent within his own role. That's Prince. He'll take open 3-pointers — and make them at a high clip — play some out-of-position defense and give you a solid locker-room presence. The best part? It won't break the bank to bring him in, and he's perfectly capable of playing off more dynamic players. He might not be a starter you rely on deep into the postseason, but he's a card you can play when you need veteran leadership. What makes sense: Prince joined Milwaukee last year in hopes of making a Finals push. While that didn't materialize, the strategy wasn't bad. Could he and the Denver Nuggets have a shared interest that could benefit both sides? 6. Amir Coffey, Los Angeles Clippers Status: Unrestricted free agent Advertisement Coffey got better this season, and a large part of that was his floor-spacing capabilities. The 6-foot-7 wing shot almost 40.9% from 3-point range on a career-high 3.4 attempts per game, which should make him interesting to multiple teams in need of a player who can bend defenses. At almost 28, Coffey's next contract will presumably take him through his prime years, so if he and his agent were to prioritize money, that'd be an entirely fair approach. What makes sense: Sniff out the teams most desperate for 3-point shooting and leverage that need into the biggest payday possible. 7. Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers Status: Team option Value of option: $1,955,377 Advertisement You'd be excused if you aren't too familiar with Edwards' game, as the rookie played for a Sixers team that most fans turned their attention away from after a gruesome start, middle and end to the year. The 21-year-old did well under the circumstances. He scored at a decent clip (10.1 points), was a solid rebounder and proved to be able to hit outside shots with some regularity. While young, you can see the path toward a larger role. What makes sense: Philadelphia represents an avenue for minutes and general opportunity, and it has the control to bring him back and perhaps keep him long term next summer. On the off chance the 76ers don't keep Edwards, every team with an average age of under 26 should be calling his agent. Advertisement Best of the rest Jae'Sean Tate, Houston Rockets Status: Unrestricted free agent Tate lost a ton of minutes this season due to a crowded roster, and he's knocking on the door of entering his 30s. That doesn't mean he isn't good, or that he won't help a team. But it does mean he should be very gettable this summer. Ziaire Williams, Brooklyn Nets Status: Restricted free agent The athletic wing can play multiple positions and is still young. While his game is still more theoretical than practical, there's enough juice there for teams to keep squeezing. Who knows? In the right place and in the right role, perhaps there's a breakout looming.
Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
Indiana Fever waive DeWanna Bonner, re-sign Aari McDonald
The Indiana Fever waived DeWanna Bonner on Wednesday, giving the 16-year veteran her unconditional release. Bonner had been away from the team since June 12, missing five games for personal reasons. She averaged 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds a game for the Fever since coming to the franchise as a free agent in February.
