Meralco’s Chris Newsome in action against San Miguel in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

PBA Images/file

The Meralco Bolts, champions of the recently concluded 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, and San Miguel Beermen, the victors of 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup and runners-up of last tourney, will be fighting for basketball glory in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 Season.

The two teams were chosen to represent the Philippines in the regional competition based on their performances in the 48th season of the PBA.

“The PBA is excited to send two of its champion teams to compete in EASL,” league commissioner Willie Marcial said.

“The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts showed their strength last season by winning the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup, respectively. They will represent Filipino basketball with pride and we hope that one of them will be crowned the champion of East Asia next season,” he went on.

The Beermen, headlined by seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, have been drawn in Group A.

They will be facing Asian powerhouses such as Japan B.League champions Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, and P.LEAGUE+ runners-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots.

Meanwhile, the Bolts, led by Finals MVP Chris Newsome, are up for a daunting task in Group B, where they will battle Japan B.LEAGUE runners-up Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champions Busan KCC Egis, and P. LEAGUE+ champions New Taipei Kings.

The draw for the group stage took place earlier this year “in agreement with the participating leagues.”

Reflecting on the entry of PBA titleholders, EASL CEO Henry Kerins said they expect nothing more but a competitive spirit from Meralco and San Miguel.

“Filipino teams and fans bring great competitiveness and passion to EASL and we are delighted to confirm the participation of the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts next season. We expect them to compete strongly for the championship, against the best teams from the rest of East Asia,” Kerins said