SPORTS

MPPT opens with 12 pickleball teams

DT · Aug 1, 2026, 4:16 AM

Representatives and owners of the 12-team Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour — Roy Bacalso of GenSan, Mayor Randy Salamat of Alfonso, Cavite, Benjamin Ascue of Batangas, Mayor Glen Eduarte of Abra, Karla Estrada of Tacloban, Pia Cabral of Rizal, Pope Cardenas of Bangued, Amiel Sayron of Pampanga and Enzo Fianza of Muntinlupa — strike a pose during the formal launch of the five-leg tournament set to start in October. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MPPT

The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) gets going in early October in Pampanga with 12 teams taking part.

The five-leg tournament takes the spotlight 3 and 4 October in Angeles City with the home team playing alongside Abra, Bangued, Muntinlupa, Alfonso (Cavite), Tacloban, Batangas, Rizal, Bacoor (Cavite), Camarines Norte, Parañaque, General Santos City.

Some of the team owners and representatives were in attendance during the formal launch on Friday at Dusit Thani in Makati.

After the first two stops in Pampanga, two more legs will be held in November before the national finals in December.

The league said each stop will dangle a prize money of P1 million but the final leg will have a bigger pot.

The five-leg event is actually a pre-season tournament since the regular tournament, featuring more teams, will kick off in February 2027.

During the launching, some of the team owners and representatives were present and among them were Roy Bacalso of GenSan, Mayor Randy Salamat of Alfonso, Cavite, Benjamin Ascue of Batangas, Mayor Glen Eduarte of Abra, Karla Estrada of Tacloban, Pia Cabral of Rizal, Pope Cardenas of Bangued, Amiel Sayron of Pampanga and Enzo Fianza of Muntinlupa.

“Today is about welcoming the teams that will become part of MPPT history. These 12 founding teams represent different communities that share one vision — to help grow pickleball in the Philippines. This league is more than a tournament; it is an opportunity to develop athletes, inspire future generations and build a lasting legacy for the sport,” said MPPT founder, eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

“The introduction of our founding teams is a defining moment for the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour. Their commitment has laid the foundation for a league that is built on collaboration, professionalism, and a shared passion for the sport. We are equally grateful to our partners, whose support has helped transform this vision into reality,” MPPT chief executive officer Joe Ramos said.