Manny Pacquiao is doubling down on his fight against game fixing as the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League prepares to tip off its eighth season with a new major partner.
The 47-year-old boxing icon, eight-division world champion, was on hand Monday at Gameville Ball Park for the ceremonial signing that formalized the league’s partnership with SportsPlus, also the partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
In front of league officials, SportsPlus CEO Andre Uy, and new MPBL commissioner Emerson Oreta, Pacquiao welcomed the collaboration while issuing a stern reminder to players, coaches, and teams.
“As founder and chairman, nandito ako laging nakabantay para pangalagaan ang integridad at pangalan ng ating liga,” Pacquiao said. “Huwag ninyo nang pasukan yung mga game fixing na iyan. Masisira lang ang buhay ninyo. Kayo lang ang ginagamit ng mga sindikato diyan. Puwede naman tayong maglaro ng parehas at ipakita natin sa bayan.”
Pacquiao described the partnership with SportsPlus as the start of a “new era” for the MPBL, emphasizing the importance of integrity alongside growth and nationwide reach.
“Today is more than just a signing ceremony. This is about collaboration, about aligning brands that believe in excellence, integrity, and nationwide impact,” he said. “I believe this is a defining moment not just for the MPBL, but for Philippine basketball.”
Uy echoed the sentiment, highlighting SportsPlus’ commitment to supporting local athletes and bringing basketball closer to communities across the country.
To reinforce the league’s anti-game-fixing stance, the MPBL has also teamed up with global sports technology firm Sportradar, which provides integrity monitoring and advanced data solutions for major leagues including the NBA, NHL, MLB, and FIFA. The move aims to ensure transparency, fair play, and better governance as the MPBL enters its eighth season.
The signing ceremony concluded with Pacquiao leading the turnover of a commemorative jersey, symbolizing the start of a clean and competitive season ahead.
