DEFENDING MPBL champion Abra Solid North Weavers make its EASL debut on opening night when the regional league kicks off its 2026-27 season at the brand-new SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
The Weavers clash with Hong Kong Eastern in the main game of an October 3 doubleheader that also features Taiper Fubon Braves of the P. League+ against the debuting Macau Hou Chon.
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The season marks the first time no PBA team will be playing in the EASL since NLEX and Blackwater first represented Asia’s pioneering pro league in 2018.
Now the task of flying the flagagainst some of the best ballclubs around Asia falls in the hands of Abra.
MPBL owner and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said the Weavers competing in the coming EASL season is a perfect way to showcase the brand of basketball the home-and-away league plays before a huge Asian audience.
“The Abra Weavers have earned this opportunity through their championship season, and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce them to Asia than by opening the EASL season in front of Filipino basketball fans,” said Pacquiao in a statement.
The EASL welcomes the opportunity to work with the MPBL for the very first time.
“This season represents another significant step forward for EASL,” said Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL. “Our next level vision is about raising the standard in every aspect of our league – from the quality of competition and fan experience to our storytelling and production.
"Launching the season in Cebu with four outstanding clubs, in a brand new arena, is the perfect way to begin our biggest and most exciting season yet.”
The Weavers are one of the five teams making their maiden season in the EASL.
Others are the Goyang Sono Skygunners of the Korean Basketball League, Nagasaki Velca of the Japan B. League, Macau Hou Chon of Macau SR, and the TSG Ghosthawks of the P. League+
Last season, Utsunomiya Brex defeated the Taoyuan Pilots, 90-81, to win the 2025-26 championship.
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