The Meralco Bolts, champions of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, and San Miguel Beermen, victors of the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup and runners-up in the latest tournament, will compete for basketball glory in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 season.
These two teams were selected to represent the Philippines in the regional competition based on their performances in the 48th season of the PBA.
“The PBA is excited to send two of its champion teams to compete in EASL,” said league commissioner Willie Marcial.
“The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts showed their strength last season by winning the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup, respectively. They will represent Filipino basketball with pride and we hope that one of them will be crowned the champion of East Asia next season,” he added.
The Beermen, led by seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, have been drawn in Group A. They will face Asian powerhouses such as Japan B.League champions Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, and P.LEAGUE+ runners-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots.
Meanwhile, the Bolts, spearheaded by Finals MVP Chris Newsome, are in Group B. They will battle Japan B.League runners-up Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champions Busan KCC Egis, and P.LEAGUE+ champions New Taipei Kings.
The group stage draw took place earlier this year “in agreement with the participating leagues.”
Reflecting on the entry of PBA titleholders, EASL CEO Henry Kerins expressed high expectations for Meralco and San Miguel.
“Filipino teams and fans bring great competitiveness and passion to EASL, and we are delighted to confirm the participation of the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts next season. We expect them to compete strongly for the championship against the best teams from the rest of East Asia,” Kerins said.