MPBL together with the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas will look to turn to a professional league.
SET to start anew, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) isturningprofessional in its latest season.
With the elevation to a professional league, this will lift restrictions for Filipino-foreign players.
MPBL founder and Senator Manny Pacquiao has already directed the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas to run the league's operations starting with an invitational tournament in December.
"There will be changes but these changes will all be for the good of the league. Side-by-side, 'yun po ang gagawin natin," said Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas spokesperson Mark Zambrano.
Kenneth Duremdes will still be the commissioner for the MPBL.
"Unang-una, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng team owners na dumalo and, of course, sa Chooks-to-Go na nagkaroon tayo ng panibagong partnership. We both have a common goal which is to help our players reach their potential," he said. "May mga players na nag-struggle talaga this pandemic. Patience is a virtue talaga at naghintay ng tamang panahon ang MPBL para ma-reignite ang ating liga.
One of the biggest changes in MPBL will be foregoing the height restrictions for Fil-foreigners. Previously, Fil-foreigners above 6-foot-5 in height were not allowed to join the league. This will be a big turning point as a lot of Fil-foreigners are now exploring their options to play here in the Philippines.
MPBL is still waiting for FIBA’s accreditation in order to start their first ever professional season. Organizers also still haven’t decided on the MPBL location. Whether to use the Caloocan Sports Complex, Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo or Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
As of today, there are thirteen teams who have officially registered for the new MPBL season for the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament set from December 11-21, 2021. Lakan season champion Davao Occidental Tigers, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, the Makati Super Crunch, the GenSan Warriors, the Caloocan Supremos, the Sarangani Marlins, the Rizal Golden Coolers-Xentro Mall, the Marikina Shoemasters, the Laguna Heroes, the Bicol Volcanoes, the Imus Bandera, the Negros Mascuvados, and a team from Bacolod.
Teams who have yet to accept the invitation will have until Wednesday afternoon to decide if they are joining the Invitationals. The final list of participating teams will be announced on Thursday.
Tags: basketball, MPBL, sports