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| Abra will open its EASL campaign against Hong Kong Eastern. MPBL (file photo) |
MANILA—It is official: the Abra Weavers will play their EASL debut down south.
The home-and-away league announced on Tuesday that its new season will begin on Oct. 3 in Cebu City, particularly at the recently opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
Abra will be featured in the main game of the opening night festivities, playing what will count as a home game for the team against Hong Kong Eastern.
This means the Weavers will begin their quest in the home-and-away league in Cebu Greats territory, but MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao said that it is fine since Abra will still play in front of a Filipino crowd.
“The Abra Weavers have earned this opportunity through their championship season, and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce them to Asia than by opening the EASL season in front of Filipino basketball fans. This is another proud milestone for the MPBL and Philippine basketball, and we’re excited to see Abra represent our league on the regional stage,” Pacquiao said.
Curiously enough, the announcement came a day after Cebu stunned Abra 74-70 in their MPBL duel at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rodriguez, Rizal, although Cebu City hosting the EASL opener has long been cast in stone.
The opening game of the season will feature newcomer Macau Hou Chon battling the Taipei Fubon Braves.
The EASL will release the full 2026-2027 regular season schedule later this month.
