The Abra Weavers will showcase the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on the international stage when they take on Hong Kong Eastern on October 3 at 7 p.m. in the East Asia Super League 2026-27 season opener at the 16,000-capacity SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu City.
It marks the first time the MPBL will be represented in the regional competition, which features champion teams from across Asia.
The reigning MPBL champions and current leaders of the 2026 elimination round with a 21-2 record, the Weavers should be no pushovers, especially with the opportunity to field four imports, including an Asian heritage player and a naturalized player, as permitted under EASL rules.
“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,” said MPBL Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao.
“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.”
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Reigning MPBL MVP Dave Ildefonso, Fil-Am DJ Fenner, 2025 Rookie of the Year Raven Gonzales, Jake Figueroa, Tucker Molina, Mike Ayonayon, and Encho Serrano will lead the Weavers in their EASL debut.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta believes the strategic partnership between the MPBL and EASL, announced on August 19, will benefit the country’s premier regional basketball league.
“We’re excited to partner with EASL. This is a big step for MPBL. More importantly, it gives us the chance to compete against some of the best in Asia. That experience will help raise the level of our players, teams, and the league while giving MPBL greater exposure internationally,” said Oreta.
“Hopefully, this is just the beginning of MPBL making its mark on the international stage.”
EASL CEO Henry Kerins, meanwhile, is looking forward to a bigger season with several new elite clubs joining the competition.
“This season represents another significant step forward for EASL,” said Kerins. “Our next level vision is about raising the standard in every aspect of our league – from the quality of competition and fan experience to our storytelling and production.
“Launching the season in Cebu with four outstanding clubs, in a brand new arena, is the perfect way to begin our biggest and most exciting season yet.”
(C) MPBL
Also making their EASL debuts are reigning B. League champions Nagasaki Velca, KBL finalists Goyang Sono Skygunners, TSG GhostHawks of Taiwan’s P. League+, and Macau’s Hou Chon, who will face the Taipei Fubon Braves in the 4 p.m. opening game.
Rounding out this year’s field are the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, Ryukyu Golden Kings, Alvark Tokyo, KBL champions Busan KCC Egis, and Mongolian champions Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos.
The Meralco Bolts represented the Philippines in last season’s EASL, finishing third in Group B with a 3-3 record and failing to advance to the postseason.
In the 2024-25 season, the San Miguel Beermen went winless in six Group A games, while the Bolts finished 2-4 in Group B.
