The Davao Occidental Tigers have announced their return to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after a two-year absence.
The Tigers, who clinched the MPBL Lakan Championship in 2021, took a leave of absence from the league to pursue other endeavors, notably the formation of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) by team officials.
However, the Tigers’ absence proved to be temporary as they confirmed their return with a statement: “We are back.”
This development expands the field of teams for the 2024 MPBL season to 30, promising a more competitive competition for the country’s professional regional league.
The upcoming season is set to kick off at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan on Saturday, April 6.
The opening games will witness Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines facing off against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., followed by the clash between newcomers Abra and Pangasinan at 8 p.m.
The opening ceremonies will be graced by none other than MPBL Founder and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, alongside key officials from Pangasinan including Gov. Ramon Guico, Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, and former Bayambang mayor Cezar Quiambao.
Following the grand opening, the MPBL will continue its regular six-day weekly schedule with a tripleheader at the Kamalig Coliseum in Orion, Bataan on April 8.
Teams from Bicol, Mindoro, Marikina, Negros, Sarangani, and Bataan will vie for victory in a series of exciting matchups.
This season, the 30 teams will be divided into North and South divisions, each competing in the nine-month tournament.
Pampanga heads the North division also composed of 2022 national champion Nueva Ecija, MPBL Datu Cup titlist San Juan, Caloocan, Marikina, Bataan, Tarlac, Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pangasinan, Abra, Bulacan, Rizal and Pasay.
Comprising the South division are Batangas, South Cotabato (GenSan), Zamboanga, Quezon Province, Muntinlupa, Iloilo, Sarangani, Negros, Mindoro, Binan (Laguna), Bicol, Bacolod, Imus, Paranaque and Davao Occidental.
The top eight teams from each division will advance to the quarterfinal round, setting the stage for intense battles as they vie for championship glory in December.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, CEO Joe Ramos, and other key officials will be present throughout the season.
