PBA, Dark League Studios ink partnership for historic Esports Bakbakan

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to embark on a new journey as it forged a historic partnership with Dark League Studios for the PBA Esports Bakbakan.

In an effort to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports, the country’s first professional league will stage a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament in early March.

The Esports Bakbakan will feature a combination of PBA stars, influencers or ex-professional players, as well as 70 fans who were chosen out of more than 3,000 aspirants who registered.

12 teams will play in a single round robin with each team set to be composed of two PBA stars, two influencers, three selected fans, and one representative from a school for a total of eight players each squad.

The drafting will start on February 13 with the tournament proper slated for two weeks after that. Every game day will be on a Monday, giving way to PBA’s regular game schedule of Wednesday to Sunday.

Among the PBA stars to play are Aljun Melecio of Converge, Allen Mina of Terrafirma, and Jaydee Tungcab of TNT. On the side of the influencers, Ako Si Dogie and Eruption are expected to join the teams.

According to the organizers, the championship round will be staged at either MOA Arena or Araneta Coliseum.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News