THE PBA finally spoke about its non-participation from the EASL for 2026-27 season, saying that it is related to the regional league’s alleged failure to pay remittances to Meralco related to their participation last season.
This was disclosed by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial after the league decided not to join the upcoming season of the EASL since the format was introduced in 2023 where champion squads of the region compete against one another.
The Philippine representative has since been turned over to the Abra Weavers, the reigning MPBL champion.
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Marcial declined to reveal the amount of remittance due to the Bolts, only saying that those were intended for the expenses of the team last season.
Marcial said the PBA decided to pull the plug around three to four months ago after the EASL, led by CEO Henry Kerins, allegedly failed to pay again as the new season approached.
“Kaya hindi na sasali ang PBA dahil ang dami pang kulang sa atin, ang dami pang remittances na hindi pa binibigay sa atin,” Marcial said on Friday.
“Since simula nung huling tournament hanggang ngayon, every month, nangangako si Henry na magbabayad. Ang laki ng kulang sa Meralco.”
The Bolts have been participating in the EASL for the last two seasons, including the 2025-26 campaign where Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson once played together. Meralco missed the semifinals after finishing third in its group.
San Miguel and TNT have also played in the regional league after winning championships in the domestic league in past seasons.
Marcial said the PBA is not closing its door on the EASL for as long as the remittances are paid to Meralco.
“May mga dapat silang bayaran sa Meralco. Kausap ko Meralco, wala naman daw binibigay. Laging ganun ang sinasabi buwan buwan. Malaki ‘yung hindi pa na-reremit,” Marcial added.
“Magbayad muna sila, saka kami mag-usap,” Marcial said, when asked if the PBA still wants to join the EASL.
Marcial added he is not sure if there are similar cases in other leagues that are part of the EASL.
“Sana naayos din niya sa ibang liga sa Japan, Korea, Taipei. Ewan ko kung nababayaran sila. Sana naman. Pero sa atin, malaki ang pagkukulang,” Marcial said.
SPIN.ph has already reached out to the EASL for their reaction to the Marcial’s statement.
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