Philippine pickleball is entering an exciting new chapter with the official launch of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT). During a special event in Makati on Friday, the league unveiled its 12 founding teams, setting the stage for a historic inaugural season that begins in October.
Key Points:
- Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour introduced its 12 founding teams in Makati.
- The inaugural season begins with its first leg in Angeles, Pampanga, on 3-4 October.
- Founder Manny Pacquiao says the league is designed to develop Filipino pickleball talent nationwide.
- The five-leg season concludes in December, with the top eight teams competing for the inaugural championship.
Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour Officially Launches
Rather than focusing on just a few major cities, the league brings together teams representing communities from across the country, including General Santos City, Tacloban, Batangas, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Rizal, Alfonso (Cavite), Camarines Norte, Pampanga, Bacoor, Bangued, and Abra. The nationwide lineup reflects the tour's commitment to expanding pickleball beyond traditional sporting hubs.
Manny Pacquiao Envisions a Stronger Future for Filipino Pickleball
Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao described the league as a platform built to give Filipino pickleball players greater visibility and opportunities to succeed.
Speaking during the launch, Pacquiao welcomed the founding teams that will shape the league's history, emphasizing that although they represent different communities, they share the common goal of growing pickleball throughout the Philippines. He added that the MPPT is more than just a tournament—it is designed to develop athletes while helping establish a lasting legacy for the sport nationwide.
League commissioner Mark Espinosa shared the same vision, calling the league's launch the beginning of a new era for Philippine pickleball. He said the tour aims to provide every athlete and team with a professionally managed competition built on integrity, excellence, and fair play.
Five-Leg Season Begins in October
The inaugural MPPT season begins with its opening leg in Angeles, Pampanga, on 3-4 October before continuing with four additional stops throughout the year. Two more legs will take place in November, while the season concludes in December with the final phase, where the top eight teams from the original 12 will compete for the league's first-ever championship.
With teams representing communities from Abra in the north to General Santos in the south, the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour is positioning itself as a truly national competition. By creating opportunities for athletes across the country, the league hopes the next generation of Philippine pickleball stars will emerge not only from Manila, but from every corner of the nation.
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