EASL gains ground even before inaugural

MANILA, Philippines — It has yet to formally take off, but interest in the East Asia Super League (EASL) is fast gaining ground around the region.

Inquiries about the fledgling league set for an early October launch have been non-stop since its formation was first unveiled last December.

EASL CEO and co-founder Matt Beyer admitted being deluged with queries by other leagues that were not included as part of the four major groups comprising its initial cast.

“Since we made this global announcement, there have been several leagues all around the region asking to be a part of this. People are paying attention to the concepts, not only in Asia, but all over the world,” said Beyer, the former NBA interpreter of Chinese superstar Yi Jianlian.

“It warmed the heart and encouraged me a lot because one of our objectives is to become one of the top three leagues in the world in basketball by 2025,” he said.

Beyer said the league will stick to its eight-team roster representing the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Korean Basketball Association (KBL), Japan B. League, P.League+ of Taiwan and from Greater China.

At the most, Beyer said expansion could come in by the third year of the league.

“In Season 3, the league will expand into 16 teams and will increase teams from the member leagues,” he added.