Having staged games in the Middle East and Canada the last few years, Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is keen on leaving handprints across Asia.
The boxing great revealed on Monday that his legal team has finalized the registration of the league’s official name when it does business overseas.
“MPBL International,” Pacquiao said during a presser at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City for the official signing of SportsPlus as the MPBL’s main backer and title sponsor for the 2026 season.
Pacquiao was joined during the contract signing by SportsPlus president and chief executive officer Andre Uy and MPBL commissioner Emerson Oreta.
“This is another meaningful step for us in supporting Philippine sports and empowering homegrown talent,” Uy said. “We believe in tying up with platforms like MPBL that create real opportunities for athletes and bring the game closer to communities across the country.”
Oreta likewise lauded the league’s partnership with the country’s largest gaming platform.
“We are proud to work with an organization that truly prioritizes the growth of sports in the Philippines,” Oreta said.
“With SportsPlus alongside us, we’re confident we can further strengthen the league and continue opening doors for Filipino players to showcase their talent,” he added.