Chris Newsome commits to Meralco Bolts with new three-year contract

The Meralco Bolts secured a key piece of their roster ahead of PBA Season 50, as star swingman Chris Newsome signed a fresh three-year contract extension with the franchise on Friday, September 5.

The deal ends weeks of speculation surrounding Newsome’s future, with the 35-year-old unrestricted free agent heavily linked to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The rumors gained traction since Newsome has been a mainstay with Gilas Pilipinas under head coach Tim Cone, who also mentors Ginebra.

Instead, the former Finals MVP chose loyalty, committing to the Bolts where he has spent his entire career since being drafted fourth overall in 2015.

“Meralco is where he belongs,” said Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo. “Newsome has been part of our program for a long time and is a big reason why we are where we are. For him, it’s important that he retires with us, and we’re happy he signed long term. He deserves this contract.”

Trillo added that Newsome had plenty of options but opted to stay.

PBA: Chris Newsome signs three-year extension with Meralco Bolts https://t.co/nqmg0J3Nmp

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 5, 2025

“He could have gone overseas or tested the market, but I’m glad he chose to continue his journey with us. He’s done so much for the team, and we want him to finish his career here,” he said.

Newsome has built a decorated resume with Meralco. He was instrumental in the team’s historic Philippine Cup championship in 2024, where he captured Finals MVP honors. He also earned Rookie of the Year in 2016, won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2017, made back-to-back appearances in the PBA All-Defensive Team (2023 and 2024), and has been a two-time PBA All-Star.

Beyond the PBA, Newsome has been a steady presence for the national team. He helped Gilas Pilipinas capture gold at the 2022 Asian Games and the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

With his extension in place, Newsome is set to continue as one of the cornerstones of Meralco — and possibly finish his career in the same colors where it all began.

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