The East Asia Super League announced a major expansion, welcoming the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League as its newest partner league ahead of the 2026–27 season. According to league announcements, reigning MPBL champions Abra Weavers will make history as the first club from the Filipino competition to contest the regional championship.
Manny Pacquiao League Joins Regional Stage
Founded in 2017 by Manny Pacquiao, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League operates across city and provincial franchises using a home-and-away format. The 2026–27 campaign will feature 26 participating clubs across the MPBL.
Reflecting on the partnership, Pacquiao called the inclusion of his competition in the East Asia Super League a historic moment for the MPBL. In official statements reported by Basketball King, the eight-division world boxing champion expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter alongside regional organizers.
Abra secured their place in the regional tournament after joining the MPBL in 2024 and capturing the league title in just their second season. Pacquiao praised the organization as a community-driven club defined by ambition, discipline, and local pride as they prepare to represent the Philippines.
Japan’s Contenders and Championship Context
While Abra prepares for its debut, the upcoming 2026–27 East Asia Super League field also incorporates three clubs from Japan: the Nagasaki Velca, the Ryukyu Golden Kings, and Alvark Tokyo. According to league scheduling notes, Nagasaki enters for the first time, Alvark Tokyo makes its second appearance, and Ryukyu extends a streak of four straight campaigns under the home-and-away format.
Japanese clubs have dominated recent international play in the region. Chiba Jets, Hiroshima Dragonflies, and Utsunomiya Brex secured the last three tournament titles consecutively, leaving Japanese representatives chasing a fourth straight crown in 2026–27.
Furthermore, league officials confirmed that the 2026–27 East Asia Super League season will serve as an official qualifier for the Basketball Champions League Asia. The highest-finishing Japanese club in the regional standings will secure direct qualification to the continental competition.
Tournament Format and Next Steps
With the partnership agreement finalized and initial club allocations confirmed, tournament organizers announced that complete game schedules, bracket placements, and group stage configurations will be released in the coming months. Fans and analysts await official fixtures to map out the cross-border matchups for the expanding 2026–27 tournament.
What are your thoughts on the MPBL’s entry into the regional bracket? Share your predictions in the comments below.
