The MPBL’s reigning champions, Abra Weavers, will be joining the EASL in the 2026–27 season. The Asian league announced the landmark move on Wednesday morning, calling it “an important milestone” for the EASL while describing the Weavers as “one of the Philippines’ strongest clubs.”
“We are delighted to welcome both MPBL and the Abra Weavers to the EASL family,” said Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL. “Abra has quickly established itself as one of the Philippines’ strongest clubs, and we’re excited to see them compete against Asia’s best. Bringing the MPBL into EASL further strengthens our presence in one of the world’s great basketball nations and represents another significant step forward as we look forward to our biggest and most competitive campaign yet.”
Abra entered the MPBL in 2024 to modest success, finishing seventh in the North Division before falling in the division quarterfinals to eventual champions Pampanga Giant Lanterns. The Weavers reloaded for MPBL Season 7, acquiring local stars like Dave Ildefonso, Encho Serrano, and Geo Chiu to ultimately ascend to the throne. Chiu has since taken his talents to the PBA, but Abra remains loaded after adding Shaun Ildefonso, Trucker Molina, DJ Fenner, Jake Figueroa, Drex Delos Reyes, and JD Cagulangan for Season 8.
Manny Pacquiao, MPBL Proud of Abra Weavers
Unsurprisingly, the brass of the country’s top regional league, led by founder Manny Pacquiao, is thrilled with this new partnership.
“This is a proud moment for the MPBL. From the beginning, our vision has been to create opportunities for Filipino basketball to continue growing,” Pacquiao said in a statement. “The Abra Weavers have shown what is possible when a team represents its community with ambition, discipline, and pride. They have the opportunity to represent our league and Philippine basketball against some of the best teams in Asia. We are excited to partner with EASL and look forward to this new chapter together.”
“Having an MPBL team compete in EASL is an important milestone for us,” added Joe Ramos, CEO of the MPBL. “Our goal has always been to provide our clubs and players the most competitive stage at the highest level. After being tested and proven at home, Abra are ready for the international stage, and we’re excited for fans across Asia to see what they can do.”
MPBL Has Come a Long Way
Pacquiao founded the MPBL in 2017 as a league built around city and provincial teams competing in a home-and-away format similar to the NBA. It is now in its eighth season, with 26 teams—including the Abra Weavers—vying for the national championship. Now, one of their own will be going international by way of the EASL.
The Abra Weavers will make their EASL debut in the 2026–27 season, joined by fellow newcomers Nagasaki Velca (Japan B.League champions), Goyang Sono Skygunners (KBL finalist), Macau Hou Chon (Macau SAR champion), and TSG GhostHawks (P. LEAGUE).
