EASL invites PBA as founding member

MANILA, Philippines — A long-term plan to create a platform of player development built on a positive ecosystem in a win-win relationship has gained lift-off with the first step on the ground after the East Asia Super League (EASL) recently extended a formal invitation for the PBA to join as a founding member. The FIBA-sanctioned EASL intends to roll out its inaugural home-and-away, five-month season in October with the PBA penciled to enter two teams in the four-nation tournament.

“EASL humbly recognizes the PBA as one of the top competitions in the region and an ideal founding member league for EASL’s launch,” said EASL’s Hong Kong-based CEO Matt Beyer. “EASL is committed to supporting the advancement of basketball in Asia and believes that PBA participation would be mutually beneficial. EASL formally invites the champion and runner-up of any of the three PBA conferences, two teams total, to compete in the inaugural season.”

Aside from the PBA, EASL will bring in the top two teams of South Korea, Japan and Greater China to play six home-and-away games each on the way to qualifying for the Final Four and the championship showdown for a $1 million prize in Macau. The format will split the eight teams into two groups of four in the elimination stage with the top two placers advancing to the Final Four. Each team is allowed two non-Asian imports and an Asian import. A local player in the PBA will be classified as a local player in EASL, meaning all access for Fil-foreigners with Philippine passports, Bureau of Immigration recognition and Department of Justice affirmation.

Beyer has submitted a schedule where games will be held on Wednesdays. “It would be agreeable for EASL games to take place with a starting time after PBA games have concluded as long as the timing is reasonable for both the PBA and EASL,” said Beyer. “For away games, each PBA team will be allowed a traveling party of 23 members, including players and coaches. EASL will cover flights, hotel rooms for two nights (night before game and night of game) and local transportation in away locations during away-game travel.” PBA Team A will play Korea A on the road on Oct. 27, Japan A at home on Nov. 3, Greater China A at home on Dec. 8, Japan A on the road on Dec. 22, Greater China A on the road on Jan. 12 and Korea A at home on Jan. 26. PBA Team B will play Greater China B at home on Oct. 27, Japan B at home on Dec. 1, Greater China B on the road on Dec. 15, Korea B at home on Dec. 29, Korea B on the road on Jan. 12 and Japan B on the road on Jan. 19.

“By participating in EASL, the PBA will increase exposure across Asia and the world and there is a revenue-sharing scheme for sponsorship and media rights sales generated in the Philippines,” said Beyer.  “The ticketing and merchandise revenue will go entirely to the PBA.” Beyer added that EASL has taken the risk off the table for every participating team that is guaranteed an appearance fee of $20,000 per game plus a bonus of $20,000 for each win. Aside from the $1 million first prize, EASL will award $500,000 to the runner-up and $250,000 to the third placer