Ginebra, San Miguel set for marquee showdown in PBA’s Dubai return on October 26

After a five-year absence, the PBA is officially heading back to the Middle East — and this time, it’s bringing two of its most iconic squads for a high-stakes clash.

Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer are set to face off on October 26 at the state-of-the-art Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, in what promises to be a thrilling Philippine Cup showdown as part of the league’s ongoing 50th season. 

The game tips off at 6 p.m. local time (10 p.m. in the Philippines) and marks the PBA’s return to Dubai since its last visit in 2019.

This time, fans in the UAE will be treated to a rare overseas “clasico” between two San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sister teams who are not only storied rivals but also perennial title contenders.

The matchup carries significant weight in the season standings, but more importantly, it offers Filipino fans abroad the chance to witness firsthand the intensity and drama that comes with a Ginebra-San Miguel duel.

In their last trip to Dubai five years ago, both teams played separately against NLEX in back-to-back games. San Miguel narrowly escaped with a 98-94 victory on October 4, 2019, while Ginebra fell short the following night, 113-111, in a heartbreaker. 

See you in Dubai! #PBAat50 pic.twitter.com/aMFd38sbDo

— PBA (@pbaconnect) August 31, 2025

The two squads never faced each other in that leg, making this upcoming match the first-ever head-to-head battle between the two in a Dubai-hosted game.

It won’t be Ginebra’s first rodeo in Dubai, though. The Gin Kings also made the trip in 2015, when they edged out the Alaska Aces, 93-92, at the Al Wasl Sports Club.

 That win was historic — not only because it was decided by a single point, but also because it marked head coach Tim Cone’s first official win as Ginebra’s mentor in the Philippine Cup.

Ginebra, the undisputed crowd darling of the PBA, is expected to draw a huge overseas following once again, with legions of loyal fans scattered throughout the UAE and neighboring countries. 

Led by two-time MVP Scottie Thompson, high-flying Japeth Aguilar, and sharpshooter RJ Abarrientos, the Kings are eyeing a strong Philippine Cup campaign following recent roster reinforcements and a renewed push for a title run.

On the other hand, the Beermen — the defending Philippine Cup champions — are marching into Dubai with championship confidence and star power of their own. With six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo anchoring the middle, and dynamic guards CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz spearheading the attack, San Miguel remains a formidable force. 

Cruz, in particular, is coming off a Finals MVP performance in last season’s All-Filipino title run and will look to continue his stellar play under the bright lights of Dubai. 

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