East Asia Super League eyes PH as tourney host

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The East Asia Super League (EASL) wants a smooth tournament this coming October 2021.

After deciding to postpone the season for next year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, EASL organizers sent a letter to Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Abraham Mitra asking if the Philippines would be willing to host some games.

With a newly signed 10-year partnership contract with FIBA, the EASL revised their usual format and plan to introduce home and away games.

For the 2021 format, all participating teams from Asia will have the chance to play in their country as their home court.

EASL Chief Executive Matt Beyer already sent the letter of request to Mitra and is expecting a positive response after GAB’s deliberation for next year.

“The agreement provides EASL FIBA’s full recognition and support to run an annual league matching up the top professional clubs in East Asia and the Philippines. EASL will launch the new pan-regional competition in October 2021” the letter said.

Last season, the Philippines sent the San Miguel Beermen, TnT Katropa, and the Blackwater Elite to represent the country but fell short of the gold.