Meralco Bolts named as PBA’s sole representative for EASL 2025–26

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team, the Meralco Bolts, will once again represent the Philippines in the 2025–26 edition of the East Asia Super League (EASL), marking the third consecutive season they will participate in the international league.

The PBA announced the development on Monday, August 4. However, unlike in previous seasons where the Philippines was represented by two teams, Meralco will be the country’s lone representative this time, following the withdrawal of TNT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen from this season’s competition.

“We are again honored to be chosen for a third straight year to play in the EASL with the best teams around Asia. It shows that our organization was voted in to take part, and that gives recognition to our ball club’s caliber,” said Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo.

The Meralco Bolts was named the sole representative of the #PBA in the 2025-2026 East Asia Super League (#EASL), marking the third straight time the franchise will suit up in the regional club tournament.

READ: https://t.co/MR4aN3M7nt

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— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) August 4, 2025

“We want to do well because we are not just carrying Meralco’s name but also that of the PBA and Philippine basketball,” he added.

The Bolts have been placed in Group B this season, alongside the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots of Taiwan, Ryukyu Golden Kings of Japan, and the Macau Black Bears. They now share the distinction of appearing in three consecutive EASL seasons with the Ryukyu Golden Kings and New Taipei Kings of Chinese Taipei.

Meralco first played in the EASL during the 2023–24 season, where they struggled and finished with a 1–5 win-loss record. They improved slightly last season, ending with a 2–4 record, but have yet to make the playoffs or Final Four in the league’s history.

As it stands, the Bolts will juggle both PBA and EASL duties, playing in the PBA Philippine Cup without an import and then bringing in foreign players specifically for the international league.

“Finding imports will be a challenge because all the other EASL teams play year-round with their respective imports and offer yearly contracts. We can only really offer a couple of months. We want to do well because we are not just carrying Meralco’s name but that of the PBA and Philippine basketball,” he concluded.

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