Philippine professional pickleball is about to explode onto the global stage, thanks to a landmark partnership that promises to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights! The Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL), the Philippines' pioneering professional pickleball league, has officially teamed up with GMA International.
Key Takeaways:
- PYCL partners with GMA International for global broadcast rights.
- Season 1 premieres June 22, 2026, on GMA News TV, GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA On Demand.
- The league features top Filipino talents, including SEA Games gold medalist Bien Zoleta.
- This deal establishes a global platform for Philippine professional pickleball.
The Global Serve: PYCL and GMA International Forge a Powerhouse Alliance
The ceremonial contract signing at The Pickle Yard SOMO marked the moment PYCL truly became a global entity. With GMA International on board, the country's first professional pickleball league is poised to captivate audiences far beyond Philippine shores.
Reaching Every Corner of the Pinoy Diaspora
GMA International, represented by key figures like First Vice President Joseph T. Francia, is leveraging its extensive reach to connect with Filipino communities across the globe. For the PYCL, led by CEO John Regison Talusan, this partnership provides an unparalleled platform.
PYCL Season 1 kicks off on June 22, 2026, broadcasting on GMA News TV and GMA Pinoy TV’s digital platforms, with international coverage extending to GMA Life TV and GMA On Demand. This ensures every Filipino, wherever they are, can follow their local heroes. GMA International and GMA Pinoy TV podcast host Tonie Pua and PYCL’s Moxx De Vera hosted the ceremony, which closed with a pickleball game demonstration featuring players from both organisations.
Meet the Court Commanders: PYCL's Star-Studded Roster
Headlining the league are sisters Bambi and Bien Zoleta, names synonymous with excellence in racket sports. Bien Zoleta, a multi-time SEA Games gold medalist in soft tennis, brings an elite competitive edge. Bambi Zoleta has already made her mark as a rising international champion, with both sisters claiming gold at the World Pickleball Championships. Their transition to pickleball has been seamless and dominant.
Adding crucial leadership and tactical brilliance are team captains Medelene “Meds” Saraza and Anna Clarice Patrimonio. These veterans, alongside legends like Johnny “The Legend” Arcilla and Tim “The Enforcer” Polero, provide invaluable experience that will mentor and challenge the league’s younger stars.
The Future is Now: A New Wave of Talent
The future of Philippine pickleball is bright, with an impressive cohort of rising stars. Keep an eye on Macy “Lady Tower” Ybanez, Ken Unique “Chinito Smasher” Dela Cruz, Chloe Mae “Baby Bear” Saraza, and Patricia “AT Princess” Raymundo. These players are eager to carve their own legacies in this burgeoning league. Regional talent, including Bacolod's Glen Ong and Pretzel Ong, along with Christy Joy Sañosa, ensures that the PYCL represents the full breadth of Filipino pickleball prowess.
Beyond the Court: A Strategic Win for Philippine Sports
For GMA International, it reaffirms their commitment to showcasing Filipino sports and culture, aligning perfectly with GMA Pinoy TV’s mission as the “Heart of Global Pinoys.” For PYCL, it’s the definitive platform needed to transform a promising local league into a globally recognized sports phenomenon.
The stage is set. The players are ready. Philippine professional pickleball has found its global voice. Mark your calendars for June 22, 2026 – history will be made!
