The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has revoked the franchise of the Iloilo United Royals and permanently banned the team’s management and officers for abandoning their participation and obligations in the ongoing 2026 season.
The United Royals forfeited their scheduled game against Negros on June 17 at the One Arena in Cainta and remained non-committal regarding their June 24 matchup against Pasig, prompting the league to impose its most severe sanctions.
As a result of the franchise revocation, all games involving the United Royals during the 2026 season will be declared void.
In a statement, the MPBL said: “The MPBL has determined that the management of the Iloilo franchise has abandoned its obligations and participation in the league in clear violation of its franchise agreement and league rules and regulations.”
Aside from the permanent ban, the franchise’s officers will face additional sanctions, including the indefinite suspension of all league privileges and the enforcement of any outstanding obligations.
The league also revealed that, based on reports from its third-party integrity partner, Sportsradar, and upon the recommendation of its Technical Committee, it may launch an investigation in coordination with the Games and Amusements Board.
The probe could involve the franchise’s owners, managers, coaches, staff, and players, and may cover potential game manipulation as well as any unresolved financial obligations.
Owned by businessman and entrepreneur JJ Javelosa, the Iloilo franchise joined the MPBL in the 2019-20 season.
The United Royals enjoyed early success, reaching the quarterfinals in back-to-back campaigns.
However, the team struggled in recent years, finishing ninth in the South Division during the 2024 season and missing the playoffs before opting not to participate in the 2025 campaign.
Including the forfeited match against Negros, Iloilo ended its 2026 stint with a 2-11 record before being removed from the league.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta emphasized that the league remains committed to protecting the integrity of the competition, safeguarding the interests of its stakeholders, partners, and sponsors, and ensuring the welfare of its teams, players, and fans.
