 |
| Abra is weaving its way to the EASL. MPBL (file photo) |
MANILA—It is official: Abra will be the Philippines' hope in next season's EASL.
The regional home-and-away league announced on Wednesday that the reigning MPBL champion will take over a PBA team in the upcoming tournament starting in October.
As an added bonus, Manny Pacquiao's major brainchild will be the EASL's new Philippine partner, assuring that this season's winner will play in the 2027-2028 EASL tournament.
"This is a proud moment for the MPBL. From the beginning, our vision has been to create opportunities for Filipino basketball to continue growing," said Pacquiao.
“We are excited to partner with EASL and look forward to this new chapter together.”
“Having an MPBL team compete in EASL is an important milestone for us,” said Joe Ramos, CEO of the MPBL.
“Our goal has always been to provide our clubs and players the most competitive stage at the highest level.”
“We are delighted to welcome both MPBL and the Abra Weavers to the EASL family,” added Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL.
"Bringing the MPBL into EASL further strengthens our presence in one of the world’s great basketball nations and represents another significant step forward as we look forward to our biggest and most competitive campaign yet."
The Weavers clinched the 2025 title in record-setting fashion, bouncing back from their lone loss of the season to the Pasay Voyagers with a Philippine record 36 straight wins until the national finals.
Abra is currently on a 17-game winning streak that put the club on top of the North Division standings at 19-1.
“The Abra Weavers have shown what is possible when a team represents its community with ambition, discipline and pride. They earned the right to call themselves MPBL champions, and now they have the opportunity to represent our league and Philippine basketball against some of the best teams in Asia,” Pacquiao further said.
"After being tested and proven at home, Abra are ready for the international stage, and we’re excited for fans across Asia to see what they can do," added Ramos.
Kerins chimed in and said, "Abra has quickly established itself as one of the Philippines’ strongest clubs, and we’re excited to see them compete against Asia’s best."
Whether the Weavers will actually play EASL home games at the Andres Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued remains a question as Spin.PH's Gerry Ramos reported on Tuesday that the league is eyeing some games at the SM Seaside City Arena in Cebu City.
.jpg)
