MPBL, SportsPlus in big team-up

MANILA, Philippines — The MPBL ushers in a “new era” with a grand 8th Season featuring a bevy of stars from the UAAP and NCAA with new title sponsor in SportsPlus.

The MPBL will open its new season on April 11 with a 30-team cast led by the Caloocan team to be reinforced by former collegiate star Kean Baclaan from La Salle as well as Fil-Americans Kymani Ladi and Dom Escobar of Ateneo.

In time for the opener, the MPBL led by CEO and founder Manny Pacquiao sealed a partnership with SportsPlus that also backs the Philippine Olympic Committee, vowing to elevate the fast-growing league level in terms of competition, officiating and integrity.

“When we started the MPBL, the vision was simple and that’s to bring pro basketball closer to the Filipinos, to the cities and provinces that breathe the game. Now, we take it to the next level,” said Pacquiao during the media launch yesterday at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong.

“This marks a new era for the MPBL. This is about collaboration and aligning brands that believe in excellence, integrity and nationwide impact. This is a defining moment not only for the MPBL but for Philippine basketball. The work continues and the vision gets bigger.”