Willie Marcial confirms Macau Black Bears’ interest in joining PBA Season 50

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed on Wednesday, December 10, that Chinese team Macau Black Bears have expressed strong interest in joining the league as the foreign guest team for the Season 50 Commissioner’s and Governors’ Cup.

Marcial said Macau general manager Lucas Peng and former PBA director of marketing Jacque Ruby recently visited the PBA office to discuss the possibility. In addition to competing in the Commissioner’s and Governors’ Cup—the second and third conferences of Season 50—the Chinese-based team is also eager to participate in a mini pocket tournament that the PBA is planning during the 40-day break ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

“May isa pang team from Southeast Asia na nag-express ng interest to participate pero waiting kami for confirmation. Di muna namin sasabihin kung anong team hangga’t di pa malinaw ang usapan,” Marcial said.

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The Commissioner’s Cup is the next tournament in the PBA calendar, set to run from March 11 to May 13, and does not impose a height limit for import players. The Governors’ Cup, meanwhile, is scheduled to begin on July 10 and features a 6-foot-6 height limit for imports.

Black Bears head coach Garrett Kelly confirmed that he intends to bring all his “big guns” should they join the PBA. This includes 7-foot-5 Sam Deguara for the Commissioner’s Cup, and either 6-foot-6 Omari Peek-Green or 6-foot-5 Torrance Watson for the Governors’ Cup. US-born Macau locals and star players Damian Chongqui and Phoenix Shackelford will be eligible to play in both conferences.

“Kung anong eligibility rules applied sa Bay Area at Hong Kong Eastern dati, ganoon din for the coming foreign team. Isang import lang at ‘yung mga locals, kailangan may documents proving citizenship,” he added.

Marcial noted that the PBA has been exploring ways to further elevate the league, including the admission of foreign guest teams to enhance competitiveness. However, he emphasized that nothing is final yet, as it will be up to the Board of Governors to decide the extent of Macau Black Bears’ participation in Season 50.

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