ABS-CBN Sports to air MPBL caging

Filipino basketball talents and former collegiate and pro players will get their chance to shine on national TV as Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will now be shown on ABS-CBN S+A.

ABS-CBN Sports head Dino Laurena, ALV Events International chairman Arnold Vegafria, and MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said they have sealed their broadcast and media partnership for the league, which will open its inaugural season on Jan. 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The opening ceremony and games will be shown live on S+A and S+A HD, which will be regularly airing MPBL games every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“Through Sen. Pacquiao’s vision, we have a basketball league that truly reaches the grassroots level. Finally, Filipinos from all walks of life who have the talent and passion for the game will be able to show their mettle in the hardcourt,” said Vegafria, Sen. Pacquiao’s business manager.

“We are thankful for I hope advertisers and basketball fans will support this. This is another platform where Pinoys can find their potential basketball heroes,” he added.

Laurena expressed his excitement with the entry of the MPBL S+A, which aims to give grassroots athletes and undrafted or untapped players a venue to showcase their skills and continue to pursue their basketball dreams.

“It was very natural for us to get together because of our shared vision for Philippines sports and our desire to support Filipino athletes in the grassroots level,” said Vegafria.