The Ilagan City Cowboys formally joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) family, raising the competing teams for its Seventh Season.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes and Ilagan Isabela team owner Jose Avelino Diaz signed the franchise agreement in Parañaque City over the weekend.

Present during the signing ceremony are Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III, Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie Diaz, Isabela board member Evyn Jay Diaz, Ilagan City councilor Jayve Evson Diaz, Ilagan City general service chief Ricky Laggui, and Ilagan City councilors Antonio Montereal Jr., Rommel Ballesteros and Ariel Tabangcura, and Ilagan Isabela Cowboys Coach Louie Gonzalez.

Representing the MPBL are chief executive officer Joe Ramos and legal counsel Atty. Glenn Gacal.

Diaz said they are very happy that basketball enthusiasts, especially the fans, and the province’s youth will get the chance to aspire and develop their talents.

Ilagan Isabela will be bracketed in the North Division, where it will have to contend with powerhouses led by reigning back-to-back champion Pampanga and former titlists San Juan (2019) and Nueva Ecija (2022).

The Quezon Huskers, last year’s losing finalist, former champions Batangas City (2018) and Davao Occidental (2021) and returning Basilan Starhorse head the South Division.

Duremdes said the final list of the Seventh Season participants will be known after the deadline for submission of intention to join lapses on midnight Saturday.