MPBL News: Season 8 Launches With 27 Teams Competing

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is back, bringing new excitement to fans all over the country. This season, the league has trimmed its lineup to 27 teams. The change is meant to raise the level of competition and make every game a true regional showdown.

League officials confirmed that the MPBL 2026 teams will be divided into the usual North and South Divisions. This setup helps fans follow their favorite teams throughout the tough round-robin season. With new leadership, including President Kenneth Duremdes, the league is now focused on mixing experienced players with local homegrown talent.

This season, the Meycauayan Marilao Gems join as the newest team, replacing the Muntinlupa Cagers, who have left the league. The Iloilo team is also back after a break, now called Rise Iloilo, and will play in the South Division. Even though three former champions have left, these changes have made the competition tougher than ever in the league’s eight-year history.

The North Division still features top talent from Metro Manila and Central Luzon. The Abra Weavers come into the season with strong momentum after winning the Preseason Invitational, making them the team to watch in this group.

• Abra Weavers (Defending Preseason Champions)

• Bataan Risers

• Bulacan Kuyas

• Caloocan Batang Kankaloo

• Ilagan Isabela Cowboys

• Manila Batang Quiapo

• Marikina Shoemasters

• Meycauayan Marilao Gems (Expansion Team)

• Pasay Voyagers

• Pasig City

• Quezon City Black Bulls

• San Juan Knights

• Valenzuela City Darkhorse

The South Division Challengers

The South Division brings together well-known teams and some with new names. The Cebu Greats have drawn attention by adding experienced players to their lineup. Biñan Tatak Gel is also expected to make the most of playing at their home court, the Alonte Sports Arena.

• Bacolod Masskara

• Basilan Steel

• Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters

• Biñan Tatak Gel

• Cebu Greats

• GenSan Warriors

• Imus Braderhood

• Mindoro Tamaraws

• Parañaque Patriots

• Quezon Huskers

• Rizal Golden Coolers

• Sarangani 10Act

• Zamboanga Sikat

• Rise Iloilo (Returning Team)

Key Format Changes and Roster Rules

To keep things fair, the league still has strict roster rules. Each team can have only one Filipino-foreigner and up to five players with professional experience. This focus on local talent makes sure that players from the provinces stay at the center of the competition.

There’s also a change in the playoffs. The MPBL Finals will now be a best-of-seven series, just like in top international leagues. This new format will better test each team’s depth and coaching on the biggest stage.

The Road to the 2026 Championship

Each team will play 26 games in a single round-robin format, leaving little room for mistakes. The season kicks off with opening nights in both Caloocan and Biñan, highlighting the league’s focus on movement and regional pride. With triple-header schedules, the fight for the top eight spots in each division will likely go down to the last week of the regular season in October. Fans are eager to see if the Abra Weavers can turn their preseason success into a championship, or if a surprise team from the South will rise. This eighth MPBL season is set to be the most organized and professional yet.

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