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East Asia Super League hoping for PBA participation in next tournament

Sports | Basketball

East Asia Super League hoping for PBA participation in next tournament

By Jonas Terrado

Matt Beyer, CEO and Founder of the East Asia Super League.

The top official of the East Asia Super League is hoping to have the PBA on board for the planned start of its inaugural home-and-away competition later this year.

EASL Chief Executive Officer Matt Beyer said in Saturday’s episode of Power and Play that having PBA teams will be key in the progress of the regional league which will feature some of the best clubs in East Asia.

“I think everyone in the region knows the passion of Filipino basketball fans,” Beyer told former PBA commissioner and program host Noli Eala. “Whether if we have a game in Tokyo or Taipei, or whatever, there’s going to be a big section of Filipino fans.

“We need the support of the PBA, we need to have Filipino fans behind us and it’s extremely essential,” added Beyer.

Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy, who has been a major backer of the EASL, has said that he’s recommending the participation of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT for the first EASL season.

Ginebra bagged the PBA Philippine Cup crown last month after defeating TNT in the finals that went five games.

PBA teams have been participating in mini-tournaments organized by the EASL since 2018, namely the Elite 8 and the Terrific 12.

Beyer said the league has received the support of Japan’s B.League, South Korea’s KBL and the Hong Kong Basketball Association while having talks with the Chinese Basketball Association and the two leagues in Taiwan.

If the EASL pushes through this year or in 2022, depending if things surrounding COVID-19 improves, 12 teams will be divided into two groups followed by a Final Four and a title game.

Related Tags

Barangay Ginebra East Asia Super League Dioceldo Sy Willie Marcial pba

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