MANILA — The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts have been selected to represent the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the upcoming 2024-25 season of the East Asia Super League (EASL), showcasing the top teams from the 2023-24 PBA season.
According to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, the selection of the Beermen and the Bolts was based on their strong performances in the last PBA season, with the Beermen winning the Commissioner's Cup and finishing as runners-up in the Philippine Cup, while the Bolts clinched the Philippine Cup title. Marcial expressed enthusiasm about the teams' participation, highlighting their potential to bring pride to Filipino basketball on an international stage.
The San Miguel Beermen are set to compete in Group A of the EASL, facing off against the Hiroshima Dragonflies from Japan's B.LEAGUE, the Suwon KT Sonicboom from Korea's KBL, and the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots from Taiwan's P. LEAGUE+. Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts will challenge teams in Group B, including the Ryukyu Golden Kings, also from the B.LEAGUE, KBL champions the Busan KCC Egis, and the P. LEAGUE+ champions the New Taipei Kings.
The draw for the group stage was finalized earlier this year, incorporating teams based on an agreement with the participating leagues. EASL CEO Henry Kerins remarked on the inclusion of the Filipino teams, noting their competitive spirit and the passionate fanbase they bring to the league. Kerins anticipates strong performances from the Beermen and the Bolts, considering them serious contenders for the championship against the best teams from across East Asia.