EASL kicks off on October 2 at MOA Arena

The East Asia Super League is opening its curtains for the 2024-2025 season in Manila as it brings its opener at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 2. 

EASL, which recently underwent an expansion from eight teams to 10, is expected to stage the group round until February 12, 2025 with reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco and powerhouse San Miguel representing the country.

The 10 participating teams will be divided into two groups of five and will figure in a round-robin home-and-away format. 

Group A include B.League champion Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, P. LEAGUE+ runner-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, San Miguel, and the HKSAR champion Hong Kong Eastern, also one of the two new teams. 

B.League runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champion Busan KCC Egis, P.LEAGUE+ champion New Taipei Kings, Meralco, and Macau SAR champion Black Bears, meanwhile, complete Group B. 

After the elimination round, the Final Four round will happen from March 7 to 9. 

In the previous edition, the two Philippine representatives--TNT and Meralco--failed to advance to the Final Four with Japanese club Chiba Jets claiming the title during the finale hosted by Cebu at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News