High stakes and intense action are expected in the inaugural leg of the Pilipinas United 3×3 League (PU3L), which tips off on August 23 and 24 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Twenty-four teams will compete as the global 3×3 basketball craze returns to the Philippines through this FIBA Lite-sanctioned event.
Local squads Uncle Drew, Half Court Group, and Taho Story headline the 12-team men’s division. The champion will earn a slot in the Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top Philippine club secures a berth in the Manila Challenger this September.
In the women’s division, Gilas Pilipinas U23 and Uratex Dream lead the charge alongside Pilipinas Aguilas and Uncle Drew. They will clash with eight top international teams in a highly competitive field.
The men’s division champion will take home a USD 5,000 cash prize, with the runner-up earning USD 2,500. Meanwhile, the women’s division winner will receive USD 3,000, and the runner-up gets USD 1,500.
“We’re pumped to once again hold world-class 3×3 events here in our country. We believe it’s another chance to prove that Filipinos can compete on the world stage, and the Pilipinas United 3×3 League is here to provide that platform as our local teams test their mettle against quality competition from overseas,” said PU3L tournament director Eric Altamirano, who is organizing the tournament with league co-founder Andrew Combate.
The Pilipinas United 3×3 League is supported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), with Smart Sports as broadcast partner, Molten as the official game ball, Ayala Malls Manila Bay as venue partner, and Seda Hotel Manila Bay as the official hotel. Sponsors include Buffalo Wings N’ Things, D’Generals, and Solar Sports.
