Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is a regional men's[1] semi-professional basketball league in the Philippines.
Current season, competition or edition: 2020 MPBL Playoffs | |
 | |
| Sport | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 29, 2017 |
| Founder | Manny Pacquiao |
| Inaugural season | 2018–19 |
| COO | Zaldy Realubit |
| Commissioner | Kenneth Duremdes |
| Motto | Ang Liga Ng Bawat Pilipino (transl. The League of Every Filipino) |
| No. of teams | 31 |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Headquarters | Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Continent | FIBA Asia (Asia) |
| Most recent champion(s) | San Juan Knights (2018–19 Datu Cup) |
| Most titles | San Juan Knights-Go for Gold (1) Batangas City Athletics-Tanduay (1) |
| Official website | MPBL |
History
Manny Pacquiao launched the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on August 29, 2017.[2] According to Pacquiao, the league is not intended to be a competitor to the Philippine Basketball Association, the country's top professional basketball league. The MPBL will feature both a regional commercial and barangay-level league with teams on the commercial side to have a home locality in addition to a corporate sponsor.[3]
In the first months, the league hosted teams from Luzon with future plans to expand to accommodate teams based in Visayas and Mindanao like the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association. It is planned that an expanded MPBL will have two conferences, North and South, where the best teams from both divisions will face in the finals similar to the format of the National Basketball Association of the United States.[3]
The league was planned to start as early as September 23, 2017 with at least six teams.[4] A pre-season was held with the Bulacan Kuyas finishing as champions.[5]
The inaugural cup of the MPBL, the Anta Rajah Cup commenced on January 25, 2018 and was participated in by ten teams.[6] In the opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Parañaque Patriots secured a 70–60 victory over the Caloocan Supremos.[7] The first conference ran until April 19, 2018 where the Batangas City Athletics crowned as the league's first-ever champion.
After the Anta Rajah Cup, the MPBL conducted staging of the second conference, which was patterned after the National Basketball Association (NBA). The tournament began on June 12, 2018, coinciding with the Philippine Independence Day celebration, with additional expansion teams including from the Visayas and Mindanao region will set to join the year-long conference divided into Northern and Southern Conferences.[8] The two winning teams from the divisions will face off in the National Championships and the winner will bring home a 10-million pesos worth trophy and ball rings to be given for the members of the champion squad.[9]
After its inaugural cup, the 2018 Anta Rajah Cup, the MPBL had expanded its roster of teams to 26. All teams are expected to play in the next cup. After the ten expansion teams were admitted into the league, it closed its doors for new applicants from Luzon. This was done to leave room for future Visayas and Mindanao teams. A meeting in Cebu was held on April 28 for potential Visayas and Mindanao teams.[10] Davao Occidental Tigers became the first MPBL team from the Visayas-Mindanao region.
The 2019–20 season was postponed or indefinitely and the 2020–21 season was cancelled altogether due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
Teams
The MPBL originated with 10 charter teams on its inaugural season. After its first successful season, it attracted a lot of teams across the Philippines to join. There are 23 teams from Luzon, 3 teams from Visayas and 5 teams from Mindanao.
.svg.png.webp)   Tamaraws Volcanoes Master Sardines Royals Locations of MPBL teams (NCR & Cavite are pinned by blue pogs) |
 Greater Metro Manila (NCR) and Cavite MPBL Teams |
| Team | Locality | Main Sponsor | Arena | Capacity | Founded | Joined | Head coach | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Division | ||||||||
| 1Bataan Risers - Camaya Coast | Balanga, Bataan | Camaya Coast | People's Center Capitol | 4,000 | 2018 | Jonas Villanueva | ||
| Bulacan Kuyas | Malolos, Bulacan Baliuag, Bulacan |
Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium Baliwag Star Arena Malolos Sports and Convention Center |
5,000 5,000 5,000 |
2017 | Kerwin McCoy | |||
| Caloocan Supremos | Caloocan, Metro Manila |
Victory Liner, Inc. | Caloocan Sports Complex | 3,000 | 2017 | John Kallos | ||
| Makati Super Crunch[12][13] | Makati, Metro Manila |
Prifoods Corporation | Makati Coliseum | 12,000 | 2018 | Beaujing Acot | ||
| Manila Stars[14] | Manila, Metro Manila |
Frontrow International | San Andres Sports Complex Ninoy Aquino Stadium |
3,000 6,000 |
2018 | Tino Pinat | ||
| Marikina Shoemasters[15] | Marikina, Metro Manila |
Marist School Gym Marikina Sports Center |
2,500 7,000 |
2018 | Elvis Tolentino | |||
| Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines | Navotas, Metro Manila |
Slord Development Corporation | Navotas Sports Complex | 1,000 | 2018 | Gabby Severino | ||
| Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija |
Araullo University Gym | 3,000 | 2019 | Charles Tiu | |||
| Pampanga Giant Lanterns[16] | Angeles, Pampanga San Fernando, Pampanga |
ADG Group of Companies | Angeles University Foundation Gymnasium Don Honorio Ventura State University Gymnasium |
2,000 3,000 |
2018 | Bong Ramos | ||
| Parañaque Patriots | Parañaque, Metro Manila |
yabo Sports | Olivarez College Coliseum | 3,500 | 2017 | Michael Saguiguit | ||
| Pasay Voyagers[17] | Pasay, Metro Manila |
Cuneta Astrodome | 12,000 | 2018 | Marlon Martin | |||
| Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors[18] | Pasig, Metro Manila |
Sta. Lucia Land Inc. | Pasig Sports Center | 2,500 | 1987* 1998* |
2018 | Bong Dela Cruz | |
| Quezon City Capitals | Quezon City, Metro Manila |
Web Marketers Specialist Association of the Philippines Inc. | Blue Eagle Gym Henry Noble Gymnasium, Trinity University of Asia JCSGO Seed Dome |
7,500 980 1,000 |
2018 | Christian Coronel | ||
| Rizal Golden Coolers - Xentro Mall[14][19] |
Antipolo, Rizal | PTC Foodsphere Asia Corp. AMRC Holdings Company, Inc. |
Ynares Center | 7,400 | 2018 | Jayvee Gayoso | ||
| San Juan Knights - Go For Gold[20] |
San Juan, Metro Manila |
Powerball Marketing & Logistics Corporation | Filoil Flying V Centre | 5,500 | 1999* | 2018 | Randy Alcantara | |
| Val City - Carga Backload Solution | Valenzuela, Metro Manila |
Carga Backload Solution | Bahayang Pag-asa Sports Complex | 3,000 | 2018 | Ronjay Enrile | ||
| Southern Division | ||||||||
| Bacoor City Strikers[21] | Bacoor, Cavite | Strike Gymnasium | 1,500 | 2018 | Chris Gavina | |||
| Basilan Steel - Jumbo Plastic [22][23] |
Lamitan, Basilan | AliKaiser International Incorporated | Lamitan Capitol Gymnasium | 3,000 | 2018 | Jerson Cabiltes | ||
| Batangas City Tanduay Athletics | Batangas City, Batangas Lipa, Batangas |
Tanduay Distillers, Inc. | Batangas City Sports Coliseum Batangas State University Gymnasium De La Salle Lipa SENTRUM |
4,000 2,500 1,000 |
2018 | Woody Co | ||
| Bacolod Master Sardines | Bacolod, Negros Occidental |
Universal Canning Inc. | La Salle Coliseum STI West Negros University Gymnasium |
8,000 5,000 |
2019 | Vic Ycasiano | ||
| Bicol Volcanoes - LCC Malls | Bicol Region Legazpi, Albay Naga, Camarines Sur |
Liberty Commercial Center, Inc. | Albay Astrodome Ibalong Centrum for Recreation Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum |
5,000 8,000 ~12,000 |
2019 | Monel Kallos | ||
| Cebu - Casino Ethyl Alcohol[24][25] | Cebu City, Cebu Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu |
International Pharmaceuticals Inc. | USJ-R Basak Coliseum Hoops Dome Aznar Coliseum |
4,000 6,500 3,000 |
2018 | Noynoy Falcasantos | ||
| Davao Occidental Tigers - Cocolife[26] |
Davao Occidental Davao City, Davao del Sur |
United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corporation | University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium & Cultural Center Rizal Memorial Colleges Petro Gazz Arena Davao City Recreation Center |
6,000 2,000 2,500 |
2018 | Don Dulay | ||
| GenSan Warriors[27] | General Santos, South Cotabato |
Burlington Industries Philippines, Inc. | Lagao Gymnasium | 6,000 | 2005* | 2018 | Rich Alvarez | |
| Iloilo United Royals | Iloilo City, Iloilo | University of San Agustin Gymnasium | 5,000 | 2019 | Eric Gonzales | |||
| Imus Bandera - Luxxe Slim | Imus, Cavite | Frontrow International GLC Truck & Equipment |
Imus Sports Complex AATF Sports Complex |
1,000 2,000 |
2018 | Raymund Valenzona | ||
| Biñan City Luxxe White[28] | Biñan, Laguna | Krah Pipes Manila Inc. Frontrow International |
Alonte Sports Arena | 6,500 | 2018 | Dennis Miranda | ||
| Mindoro Tamaraws - JAC Liner | Calapan, Oriental Mindoro |
JAC Liner | TBA | N/A | 2019 | Justin Tan | ||
| Muntinlupa Cagers | Muntinlupa, Metro Manila |
Angelis Resort | Muntinlupa Sports Center | 3,000 | 2018 | Louie Gonzales | ||
| Sarangani Marlins | Alabel, Sarangani |
Sarangani Capitol Gymnasium | N/A | 1998* | 2019 | Manuel Torralba | ||
| Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines[27] | Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur |
Universal Canning Inc. | Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum | 10,000 | 2018 | Britt Reroma | ||
- Notes
- The Pasig Pirates (as Pasig-Rizal Pirates), San Juan Knights and Soccsksargen Marlins were founded during the active years of Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).
- The General Santos Warriors was founded in 2005 as GenSan MP PacMan Warriors and participated in Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA), National Basketball Conference (NBC) and Liga Pilipinas in 2008.
- The Sta. Lucia Realtors was founded in 1987 from the Philippine Basketball League (PBL)
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 1993 and the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League (PCBL) in 2015.
Venues
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League Championships
| Teams | Win | Loss | Total | Year(s) won | Year(s) lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batangas City | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2018 | — |
| San Juan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2019 | — |
| Muntinlupa | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 2018 |
| Davao Occidental | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | 2019 |
Media Coverage
ABS-CBN Sports and ABS-CBN Regional Network Group was the official broadcaster of the league and airs games of the MPBL through S+A Channel 23 and S+A HD Channel 166 also on Liga Channel 86 and Liga HD Channel 183. Selected national finals games will be aired through ABS-CBN. The broadcasting deal was announced on January 11, 2018.[29] The games aired internationally via The Filipino Channel, also the games were been aired on Fox Sports Asia during Monday games until the 2018-19 championship.
The games were also available via livestreaming through the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Facebook page, ABS-CBN Sports Website and iWant TFC.
However, their contract with the network's sports division expired and leaved in jeopardy, due to the issue of legislative franchise renewal and the denial of the franchise, which leads to the sports division's dissolution following their retrenchment on August 31.
Rules
Game regulations
- FIBA Rules
Player eligibility/limits
- At least three (3) homegrown talents per team
- Only one Filipino-Foreign Player per team with 6'4" height limit is allowed on every team
- Maximum of five (5) Ex-Professional (Ex-Pro) players per team
Notable people
Founder
Commissioners
| No. | Commissioner | Tenure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | To | ||
| 1 | Snow Badua | August 29, 2017 | November 22, 2017 |
| 2 | Kenneth Duremdes | November 22, 2017 | incumbent |
See also
- National Basketball League (Philippines)
- Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, a 3x3 basketball league consisting of teams from the MPBL.
References
- "From humble origins in GenSan, Manny Pacquiao's MPBL is now a nation-wide league". Sports. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
nd as the semi-professional league continues to grow, it’s amazing to think that it all started with a ‘pa-liga’ in General Santos City.
- Del Rosario, Paolo (29 August 2017). "Senator Manny Pacquiao launches new basketball league". CNN Philippines (in English and Filipino). Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- Henson, Joaquin (3 September 2017). "MPBL won't compete with PBA". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- Lintag, Paul (29 August 2017). "Home-and-away games make grand return through Maharlika Pilipinas". ABS-CBN Sports. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- "ABS-CBN S+A is the official broadcaster of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League". 12 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
- Leongson, Randolph (22 January 2018). "Maharlika basketball league tips off Thursday with 10 teams at Big Dome". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- Leongson, Randolph (25 January 2018). "Pacquiao's dream league comes to reality; Parañaque wins". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
- Henson, Joaquin F. (April 11, 2018). "Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League opens next joust June 12". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
- Joble, Rey. "P10-M trophy, ball ring to be given to MPBL national champ". Fox Sports. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- Lagunzad, Jerome. "20 teams, so far, in MPBL". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
- Tupas, Cedelf (1 June 2020). "MPBL cancels 2020-2021 season". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-10). "MPBL reaches Sweet 16 as Makati enters as latest expansion ball club". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
- "Makati ditches Skyscrapers MPBL moniker as team unveils Super Crunch". Fox Sports. November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-08). "Manila, Team Rizal raise Maharlika Pilipinas member teams to 15". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-25). "Ex-Navotas stars likely to rejoin old coach in new team in Marikina". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-24). "MPBL: Anybody wants to know what Pampanga's moniker is?". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-05-13). "Unheralded Lastimosa, 2 ex-pros lead Pasay's MPBL campaign". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
- Reyes, Jonas Egan (2018-04-04). "Pasig Pirates set to sail again". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- Joble, Rey. "Team Rizal planning to change moniker for MPBL season". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-07). "Ex-Senator Estrada excited to see Cardona-led San Juan Knights in MPBL". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-05-22). "MPBL welcomes Bacoor Strikers as 26th squad". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-05-10). "MPBL wants to show good side of 25th member squad Basilan". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-05-25). "Basilan hopes to live up to team's new moniker". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-05-04). "Cebu Niños return, join MPBL as fourth southern expansion team". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved May 5, 2018.
- Panerio, Jonas (May 22, 2018). "Cebu City Sharks excited over chance to play more home games in MPBL debut". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-30). "Davao Occidental first MPBL southern team to sign as expansion club". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (May 2, 2018). "Gen San, Zamboanga join Davao Occi in MPBL's Vis-Min expansion". Fox Sports Asia. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- Joble, Rey (2018-04-05). "Laguna 2nd expansion squad to join MPBL; San Juan, Makati next in line". Fox Sports Philippines. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- "ABS-CBN S+A is broadcaster of Pacman's cage league". Manila Standard. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
