Meralco Bolts to represent PBA anew in expanded EASL

The Meralco Bolts have been named the sole representative of the PBA in the 2025-2026 East Asia Super League (EASL), marking the third straight time the franchise will suit up in the regional club tournament. 

Meralco made its EASL debut in 2023 alongside another PBA bet in TNT. That edition saw the Bolts rack up one win against five losses to bow out of the Final Four run. 

The club returned last year and collected two wins against the Macau Black Bears and Busan KCC Egis, but suffered three straight defeats, including a heartbreaking double overtime loss to the New Taipei Kings, in the next games to end its campaign. 

With Meralco's participation now sealed, the EASL 12-team cast has been completed. 

The Bolts are drawn in Group B together with the Black Bear as well as last edition's Final Four teams in Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Ryukyu Golden Kings as EASL now features 12 teams from 10 last edition. 

Group A consists of Hong Kong Eastern, Seoul SK Knights, Taipei Fubon Braves, and Utsonomiya Brex while Group C has Alvark Tokyo, Changwon LG Sakers, New Taipei Kings, and Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos. 

EASL tips off on October 8 as the league introduces a new format with the top two teams in each group advancing to a Round of 6. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News