PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has vowed an all-out campaign by the two teams that will represent the Philippines in the East Asia Super League (EASL) which unveils its inaugural season in October.
The top two teams in the ongoing Philippine Cup in the EASL with the eventual champion landing in Group A and the runner-up in the powerhouse Group B will be joining the EASL this season in October.
“The PBA is very excited to join the EASL. Mabigat ang laban natin sa EASL but we will give the teams a run for their own money,” said Marcial after the official drawing of lots attended by EASL officials and representatives of the different leagues at the Shangri-La The Fort Manila
The teams are allowed to tap the services of two reinforcements and are set to play in a home-and-away format in the group stage. The top two teams at the end of the elimination round will advance to the semifinals of the tournament, which is planned to be held in the country. The champion of the tournament will bag a $1 million top prize.
The ceremony was facilitated by EASL CEO Matt Beyer and was joined by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, B.League chairman Shinji Shimada, and KBL commissioner Kim Hee-ok.
Additional Reports: Philstar, Manila Bulletin
Image Source: Philstar, PBA