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PBA Season 50 eyes more overseas tours and foreign guest teams
As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its landmark 50th season starting on October 5, 2025, the league is preparing to take its brand of basketball to a wider audience. One of its key initiatives is to stage more games outside the country, giving overseas fans the chance to experience the excitement of the PBA firsthand.
In a board meeting held yesterday, July 30, the PBA board of governors approved the staging of official games in Dubai on October 25 and in Bahrain on December 15 and 17. These matches are expected to draw a large crowd of Filipino fans in the Middle East and showcase the league’s competitive action abroad.
The league isn’t stopping there. According to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, the PBA is already in the process of finalizing deals to bring games to Abu Dhabi, Doha (Qatar), Saudi Arabia, and even as far as New York. “We want to share the PBA experience with Filipinos and basketball fans around the world,” said Marcial.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
“They're all interested to play in the PBA, and the board is willing to accept their participation. Pwede ngang silang tatlo,” Marcial revealed. “Malamang sa import-laced conference. Hindi pa lang natin alam kung sa Governors' Cup o sa Commissioner's Cup.”
Adding more excitement to the golden anniversary season is the possibility of once again inviting foreign guest teams to compete. This time, squads from Macau, Hong Kong, and Indonesia have expressed strong interest in joining the league.
“They're all interested to play in the PBA, and the board is willing to accept their participation. Pwede ngang silang tatlo,” Marcial revealed. “Malamang sa import-laced conference. Hindi pa lang natin alam kung sa Governors' Cup o sa Commissioner's Cup.”
Aside from its international plans, the league will also streamline its participation in the East Asia Super League (EASL) this year. With the EASL expanding its calendar, only one PBA team will represent the league in the upcoming season to avoid scheduling conflicts.
“Maraming games, so hindi pwedeng dalawang teams ang ilaban natin. Mahirap para sa schedule natin,” Marcial explained.
The Meralco Bolts, who came close to securing a playoff spot in the last EASL edition, will be carrying the PBA banner this time around.
With overseas tours, potential foreign guest teams, and heightened competition both locally and internationally, the PBA’s golden season is shaping up to be a true celebration—not just for the league but also for its loyal fans in the Philippines and abroad.
