The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is set for its most star-studded season yet, with what promises to be the biggest opening in its eight-year history.
The April 10 opener of the country’s regional professional league will be staged across two venues, with North Division games at the Caloocan Sports Complex and South Division matchups at the Alonte Sports Arena.
Games will be held simultaneously at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The much-anticipated debut of Mike Phillips will open the North Division slate, as San Juan takes on Pasay.
The matchup will also feature a reunion, with San Juan’s “Maroon 4” — Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea — set to face their close friend Steve Nash Enriquez of the Pasay Voyagers.
Meanwhile, the North Division main event will see the trio of Kymani Ladi, Kean Baclaan, and Dominic Escobar make their home debut in Caloocan, as the Batang Kankaloo host the Quezon City Black Bulls.
In the South Division, the main event will feature Nic Cabanero and Biñan Tatak Gel hosting the General Santos Warriors.
The South opener will pit Rizal-XentroMall Golden Coolers against the Cebu Greats.
Defending champion Abra Solid North, on the other hand, will make its season debut on April 21 against Parañaque at 6 p.m. at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Games this season will run from Monday to Saturday, featuring triple-headers after opening day.
For the month of April, additional venues include Batangas City Coliseum, Ynares Center Montalban, Olivarez College Gym, San Andres Sports Complex, Imus Sports Complex, Pasay Astrodome, Bataan People’s Center, Ynares Sports Arena, Meycauayan Sports Complex, Malolos Sports Complex, and Batangas City Coliseum.
The MPBL also renewed its broadcast partnership with Solar Sports last March 25 to bring the games closer to fans.
“Fans can expect better, more competitive games this year,” said Manny Pacquiao, who signed the agreement with Solar Sports president Wilson Tieng at the Solar Century Tower.
Other signatories include MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta, CEO Joe Ramos, Legal Counsel Glenn Gacal, Solar chairman William Tieng, CFO/COO Kenneth Yumang, and Chief Legal Counsel Valerie Grace Domantay.
“With Solar as an integral partner, we can look forward to an even more comprehensive coverage not only of the games, but the league’s other activities,” Pacquiao added.
