THE MPBL renewed its ties with Solar Sports to air all of its games for its coming Season 8.
Both parties came to a formal agreement after signing a new contract on Wednesday prior to the start of the 2026 season on April 10.
No less than league founder Manny Pacquiao graced the event together with Solar Sports President and CEO Wilson Tieng and Solar Sports Chairman William Tieng.
“Malaking tulong ito sa MPBL na lumawak pa ang ating coverage. It’s a great opportunity for both MPBL and Solar Sports. Sana lalong magtagumpay at lumago pa ang ating coverage,” said the boxing legend during the official contract signing held at the Solar Century Tower in Makati on Wednesday.
“We’re expecting to have good games every day. Kahit ako, excited din ako manood. Abangan nyo po ang MPBL 2026.”
Solar Sports has a soft spot for the 47-year-old Pacquiao, as majority of his world title fights in the past were aired by the digital free-to-air TV channel.
“Ang Solar Sports ay Solar Sports. Home talaga ni sir Manny ang Solar Sports, as Solar Sports is equal with sir Manny. Nahirapan kami after pandemic, pero good thing active na kami ulit at nagbabalik sa sports, of course with the MPBL,” said chief financial officer Kenneth Yumang, as Solar Sports also houses the coverages and airing of the Shakey’s Super League, V-League, UCAL, PSAA, NAASCU, and other Metro Manila leagues across all sports.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat kami sa Solar Sports na nabigyan ulit kami ng chance. It’s an integral part of our program na mas ma-promote pa yung liga. At yung vision ni Sen. Manny na maipakita pa talaga sa mas maraming tao ang MPBL,” added Oreta.
MPBL's broadcasting innovations
New commissioner Emerson Oreta said the new season will air a total of 12 games a week, with three games shown each playing date every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Last year, only six games were shown in a week.
All games of the playoffs will likewise be shown, including the expanded finals, which is now a best-of-seven series.
Solar Sports will air the games at Channel 21 on free TV in the National Capital Region and on around 200 cable channels nationwide.
The sports coverage will also be expanded with a total of 15 in-house play-by-play callers and analysts led by former sportswriter Cedelf P. Tupas, along with additional courtside reporters as online broadcast of the games will also be shown on Facebook and YouTube.
Currently, the MPBL has 26 teams, but is still finalizing its final cast for the new season that kicks off in two separate venues in Laguna and Caloocan.
Reigning champion Abra Solid North Weavers, led by Dave Ildefonso, looms as the heavy favorite to defend their crown.
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