Manny Pacquiao joins Team Boxing League as team captain, ambassador, and potential owner

Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as the greatest sportsperson to emerge from the Philippines and one of the finest boxers in the history of the sport. His legendary status is defined by an extraordinary list of accomplishments, highlighted most notably by his unmatched feat as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history—a milestone that continues to set him apart in an era of all-time greats.

Even at 47 years old, Pacquiao has shown no signs of completely stepping away from the sport that made him a global icon. The Filipino legend returned to professional boxing last year at the age of 46, challenging World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios in a bout that captured international attention. The contest went the full 12 rounds and ended in a controversial majority draw, with two judges scoring the fight 114–114 and a third awarding a narrow 115–113 decision in favor of Barrios. Despite the outcome, Pacquiao’s performance reinforced his enduring competitiveness and remarkable longevity inside the ring.

Pacquiao’s involvement in boxing is now set to enter a new chapter. On Wednesday, February 4, the Team Boxing League (TBL) officially announced that Pacquiao will join the organization as a team captain, league ambassador, and potential owner. He will serve as Team Captain and active fighter for the San Diego TJ’s, one of TBL’s expansion franchises, further cementing his hands-on role in the league’s growth.

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Initially, Pacquiao’s participation will focus on serving as a League Ambassador in Season 4, after which he is expected to formally join the league’s ownership group in 2027. His multifaceted role underscores not only his commitment to staying connected to competition, but also his growing influence behind the scenes as a boxing executive and visionary.

“I believe in the vision of TBL and what this league is building for the future of boxing,” Pacquiao said during the announcement. “Team boxing brings a new level of excitement, strategy, and opportunity for fighters and fans. I’m proud to be part of TBL and look forward to contributing both inside and outside the ring.”

Manny Pacquiao has agreed a deal with Team Boxing League that will see him serve as a 2026 league ambassador before joining the ownership group of the San Diego TJ’s in 2027 as Team Captain. 🥊

Pacquiao is expected to compete in the league’s one-round format — remarkably… pic.twitter.com/DbZvAW3mWV

— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) February 4, 2026

The Team Boxing League was first announced in 2022 and officially launched in 2023, introducing a team-based ownership and competition model designed to modernize professional boxing. The league currently features franchises such as LA Elite, NYC Attitude, and Philadelphia Smoke, with the addition of the San Diego TJ’s marking a significant step in its expansion.

TBL executives were quick to emphasize the significance of Pacquiao’s arrival, calling it a transformative moment for the league.

“Manny Pacquiao is one of the most respected champions in the history of boxing, and his decision to join TBL is a defining moment for our league,” said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of Team Boxing League. “From ambassador to owner to active competitor, Manny embodies everything TBL stands for—elite competition, innovation, and a team-first mindset. His involvement accelerates our mission to reshape the future of professional boxing.”

Pacquiao’s business team echoed those sentiments, highlighting how closely the league aligns with his long-standing goals for the sport.

“Manny’s involvement with TBL goes far beyond his initial ambassador role,” said Jas Mathur, CEO of Pacquiao Promotions. “This league aligns with Manny’s passion for innovation, competition, and elevating the sport of boxing. Joining TBL as an owner, team captain, and active fighter reflects his belief in the league’s model and its potential to change boxing.”

While Pacquiao’s competitive debut for the San Diego TJ’s has yet to be scheduled, league officials confirmed that additional details are expected to be announced in the coming months. Whether inside the ring or in the boardroom, Pacquiao’s continued presence ensures that his impact on boxing—both in competition and in shaping its future—remains as powerful as ever.

For fans and fighters alike, Pacquiao’s move to TBL represents more than another chapter in an already storied career. It is a statement that even after decades at the pinnacle of the sport, the Filipino icon remains driven to innovate, inspire, and push boxing forward on a global stage.

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