MPBL’s junior league to invite teams from US, Europe

Photo: Jerome AscanoTHE Jr. MPBL is expanding its horizon and will likely feature foreign teams competing by next year.

League founder and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao disclosed the vision of the MPBL to have international junior teams seeing action and measuring their skills against their local counterparts.

Pacquiao made the announcement during the formal launch of the second season of the Jr. MPBL at the Windford Hotel and Casino.

“Today marks a significant step forward as we are expanding our reach beyond borders. We are engaging in talks with states across the US regions, UK, and various parts of Europe for Jr. MPBL expansion,” said the 45-year-old former senator.

“This global initiative aims to elevate the visibility of Filipino basketball talent on an international stage, opening doors for our young athletes to compete and excel on a broader platform.”

Jr. MPBL executive director Jayr Navarro said the league hopes to have the program implemented by 2025 with foreign teams in all four divisions, namely 14-and-under, 16-and-under, 18-and-under, and the newly-formed 21-and-under.

“That’s the whole plan now. That’s why we would like to thank Senator Pacquiao for continuing to support us, and I know everything will fall into place,” said Navarro.

For now, the second season of the Jr. MPBL will have 18 local teamsin four categories once the tournament kicks off by the second week of July.

Photo: Jerome Ascano

Among the participating teams are Valenzuela, San Juan, Zamboanga, San Pedro, Palawan, Quezon, Quezon City, Pasig, Novaliches, Meycauayan, Marikina, Manila, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, Binan, Tanauan, and ICC Blue Hawks.

“Ginawan na rin namin sila yung 21-and-under para after that puwede na silang makalaro sa main MPBL,” said Pacquiao.

Tournament format will have the 18 teams divided into two divisions – North and South – and to play a single round robin.

The top eight teams from each division will then play in a crossover, best-of-three series in the playoffs.

The semifinals and finals are also going to be a best-of-three series.

Pacquiao also took the occasion to congratulate Cavite, Davao, and Mandaluyong for topping the 14-an-under, 16-and-under, and 18-and-under categories during the inaugural season.

Photo: Jerome Ascano

Also attending the launching were Jr. MPBL commissioner Keith Picazo, league legal head Atty. Glenn Gacal, team owners and coaches, and Jackson Chua Jr., owner of Red Dynasty seafood and hotpot restaurant.