THE Macau Black Bears Sports Club are headed to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Philippine Basketball Association officials and the management of the Macau-based Black Bears have formally sealed a Memorandum of Agreement, clearing the way for the club’s entry as a special guest team in the league’s mid-season conference, which is set to open on March 11.
The signing ceremony was held in Macau on Friday, with PBA Board Vice Chairman Alfrancis Chua and Commissioner Willie Marcial making the trip to personally meet with the Black Bears’ top brass and finalize the partnership.
The agreement underscores the league’s continuing effort to expand its international reach and elevate the level of competition in the Commissioner’s Cup.
With the deal in place, the Black Bears become the third foreign guest team to see action in the Commissioner’s Cup, following the Bay Area Dragons in Season 47 and Hong Kong Eastern in Season 48.
Commissioner Marcial said the same concessions and playing conditions previously extended to the two guest teams will likewise be applied to the Macau squad.
The Black Bears are no strangers to Asian basketball fans, having established themselves as a regular fixture in various regional leagues.
The team previously competed in the now-defunct ASEAN Basketball League and currently campaigns in the East Asia Super League and the Asian Tournament, gaining valuable experience against top clubs across the region.
Macau is expected to bring a competitive and familiar lineup to the PBA, highlighted by prolific point guard Damian Chongqui.
He is joined by Omari Peek-Green and Phoenix Shackelford, while towering 7-foot-6 center Sam Deguara adds a dominant presence in the middle.
The team is coached by Garrett Kelly, who has steered the Black Bears in multiple international competitions.
PBA officials expressed optimism that the inclusion of the Black Bears will once again add a fresh dynamic to the Commissioner’s Cup, providing fans with new matchups while giving local teams the opportunity to test themselves against international competition.
The participation of the Macau-based club continues the PBA’s tradition of welcoming select foreign teams, a move seen as beneficial in raising the league’s profile and providing players, coaches, and fans with a broader basketball experience when the mid-season conference tips off next month.
