Talk ‘N Text Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen faced off anew during the Philippine Basketball Association Philippines Cup Finals press conference presented by ArenaPlus, setting the stage for their best-of-seven championship series that opens 21 January at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The two squads last met in the Finals during the 2025 Philippines Cup, where San Miguel closed out the series in six games, 4-2, sealing the title with a 107-96 victory and denying TNT a grand slam bid.

At the press conference held on 19 January, TNT head coach Chot Reyes said the upcoming showdown is not about revenge but about measuring himself against San Miguel head coach Leo Austria on more even footing.

TNT has fallen to San Miguel twice in the Finals, with Austria’s squad capitalizing on injuries that hampered the Tropang 5G in previous meetings. This time, Reyes said his team enters the series healthier and ready for another title run.

Austria, for his part, said the Beermen are prepared to defend their crown, highlighting the depth of his bench as a key factor.

“It’s a very important factor, yung bench,” said Austria. “Since the start of the conference, that’s been my goal. As mentioned during the semifinals, different individuals stepped up as the best players in our four wins,” he added.

The league also introduced the Ramon Fernandez Finals MVP trophy, honoring PBA legend and former Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Ramon Sadaya Fernandez.

Nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo welcomed the move.

“Dapat lang, siya ‘yung barometer sa mga players. Siya ‘yung nilu-look up namin. Deserve niya ‘yun, walang doubt.”

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial also thanked ArenaPlus for its continued support of the league.

“Bago ko makalimutan ang lahat, napaka-importante nito. Nagpapasalamat ako sa ArenaPlus, kung hindi dahil sa ArenaPlus, wala tayong presscon, kaya palakpakan naman natin ang ArenaPlus.”

With both teams preparing for another chapter in their growing rivalry, the league expects an intense battle for the Philippines Cup crown.