Pinoyliga has unveiled the 28-team bracket for its upcoming Big Dance tournament, with Ateneo de Manila University among the participating schools.
The Blue Eagles earned the No. 21 seed and are slated to face Our Lady of Fatima University in the opening round.
If the matchup pushes through, it will mark Ateneo’s first preseason game since its 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup meeting against Adamson University on June 6.
Two days later, the Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora ended in tragedy, claiming the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
In the aftermath, Ateneo withdrew from all of its remaining preseason commitments, including its annual overseas training camp.
Based on the tournament schedule, the Blue Eagles are set to take on the Phoenix on August 16 at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The UAAP has yet to issue a decision regarding Ateneo’s status for Season 89.
UAAP Season 89 opens on September 12.
Adamson University is the only other UAAP school participating in the tournament.
Representing the NCAA are Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapúa University, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, Jose Rizal University, and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
The rest of the field is composed of colleges and universities from across Luzon.
The Big Dance tournament is scheduled to tip off on August 9.
