The first-ever global edition of the Batang PBA is officially a go and is slated to be held in Doha, Qatar by late January or early February of 2026.

A huge cast of 48 teams comprising four age groups is set to see action in the four-day event to be held at the ACS International Doha School.

Tournament organizer Richard Del Rosario, who is also deputy coach of Barangay Ginebra, said participants are coming from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, adding further international flavor to the tournament.

Games will be played in U12, U14, U16, and U19 divisions and to be held on weekend.

Likewise, it’s going to have the same format as the regular Batang PBA meet.

A formal presser for the event will be held on 15 December in Bahrain, where the entire Philippine Basketball Association delegation is going to stay for the Philippine Cup doubleheader between Rain or Shine and Magnolia on 15 December and Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra 17 December.

Del Rosario is spearheading the staging of the Batang PBA in partnership with Mikee and Sara Calungcaguin.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial lauded the program, which comes no less on the season when the PBA celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“We’ve already executed our plan to go global with our games in Dubai and Bahrain and, now, the Batang PBA,” Marcial said. “What we will do next is women’s basketball.”