The MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) has decided to cancel its preseason tournament this year, allowing teams to focus on strengthening their rosters for the 7th Season, which begins on March 8.
MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes confirmed that teams must confirm their participation in the 7th Season by February 1. More details, including the venue and schedule for the 10-month tournament, will be revealed by February 8.
The league is expanding with the addition of Ilagan City, Isabela, set to join on February 1, and the return of Basilan under new sponsor Starhorse Shipping Lines. This brings the total number of teams to 29, up from 28 last season.
That’s why the league decided to put more emphasis on the building the teams to ensure more exciting season.
Last year’s MPBL invitational took place from February 21-27 at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City, where the Pampanga Giant Lanterns took home the championship. They swept their playoff opponents and became the league’s first back-to-back national champions.
With key players leaving the Pampanga squad—including back-to-back MVP Justine Baltazar and others—the competition is expected to be more balanced in both the North and South Divisions.
In the South, last year’s runners-up Quezon Province and MPBL inaugural champions Batangas City are strong contenders. In the North, former champions Nueva Ecija (2022) and San Juan (2019) will challenge Pampanga, along with a rebuilding Abra squad.