FIVE expansion teams from Metro Manila have signed up to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, increasing the roster of participating teams to 15.
This time, the fledgling regional basketball league is now ready to accept applicants from the Visayas and Mindanao and immediately
And few cities have already heeded the call.
Victorias City, Bacolod in the Visayas and General Santos City and Davao Occidental in Mindanao have expressed interest in joining the MPBL, even as three cities in Cebu are also keen on taking part in the fastest growing regional basketball league in the country.
Senator Manny Pacquiao, the founder of the MPBL, announced the news, saying league officials will meet with the interested participants in Cebu right after the Anta Rajah Cup finals.
“Maraming gustong sumali at mayroon na ring nag-confirm. ‘Yung Bacolod sa Visayas, tapos tatlong cities sa Cebu, ‘yung isa Lapu-Lapu, gusto talagang sumali. Kaya nga gagawin namin, magpupunta kami sa Cebu para kausapin sila,” said Pacquiao.
“Sa Mindanao, ‘yung Gen San Warriors (GSW), parang Golden State Warriors, gusto rin sumali pati ‘yung Davao Occidental, papasok,” added Pacquiao.
Five additional Metro Manila teams have already signed up to join the MPBL starting next conference, which starts June 12 – Pasig Rios Pirates, San Juan Knights, Laguna, Manila and Team Rizal.
According to Pacquiao, a few more squads from the metropolis and Greater Manila Area are also lined up to join.
“Marami rin dito sa Manila gustong sumali, ‘yung Makati and Bacoor, Cavite, sasali rin,” added Pacquiao.