Finals foes all set to represent the Philippines

PHOTO: JEROME ASCANO

THE PBA is sending its two best teams from last season to the 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL).

San Miguel and Meralco will represent Asia’s pioneering pro league in the second edition of the EASL’s home-and-away season kicking off this October.

The Beermen topped the import-laden Commissioner’s Cup, while the Bolts ruled the Philippine Cup for their first-ever PBA championship.

Beermen and Bolts’ outlooks in EASL

San Miguel landed in Group A together with Japan B.League champion Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, and P. League+ runners-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots.

Meralco, meanwhile, is in Group B along with KBL champions Busan KCC Egis, P. League+ counterparts New Taipei Kings, and Japan B.League runners-up Ryukyu Golden Kings.

This marks the return of the Beermen to the fledgling regional league after last seeing action in the EASL during the 2023 Champions Week.

The Bolts, on the other hand, will be on their second straight appearance after also representing the PBA during the first-ever home-and-away season along with TNT Tropang Giga.

“The PBA is excited to send two of its champion teams to compete in EASL. The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts showed their strength last season by winning the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup, respectively,” said Commissioner Willie Marcial.

“They will represent Filipino basketball with pride and we hope that one of them will be crowned the champion of East Asia next season.”

Meanwhile, EASL CEO Henry Kerins welcomed the participation of the two PBA teams in season 2 of EASL’s home-and-away format.

“Filipino teams and fans bring great competitiveness and passion to EASL and we are delighted to confirm the participation of the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts next season. We expect them to compete strongly for the championship, against the best teams from the rest of East Asia.”