Meralco replaces Barangay Ginebra in EASL

The Meralco Bolts will replace Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as one of the two PBA teams in the upcoming season of the East Asia Super League.

Meralco will join the TNT Tropang Giga in representing the Philippines in the tournament for top clubs in Asia.

The Bolts are grouped with Japan B.LEAGUE champions Ryukyu Golden Kings, Korean Basketball League runners-up Seoul SK Knights, and Taiwan P. LEAGUE+ runners-up New Taipei Kings in Group B.

The New Taipei Kings replaced the Bay Area Dragons after its disbandment earlier this month.

Group A, on the other hand, will be comprised of TNT, B.LEAGUE runners-up Chiba Jets, KBL champions Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, and P. LEAGUE+ champions Taipei Fubon Braves.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the EASL serves as a platform for the Filipino teams to show their talents on the global stage.

"It’s an opportunity to showcase the Filipino brand of play on the international stage and we’re excited to continue our partnership with EASL in growing the sport we love in our region," he said in a statement.

The EASL will be played with a home-and-away format and will open on October 11 as TNT takes on the Chiba Jets in Japan.

Meralco, meanwhile, will have their first game on November 15  against the Ryukyu Golden Kings which includes Carl Tamayo.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News