Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is expanding his role in Philippine sports with the launch of a professional pickleball league, marking another major step in the country’s evolving athletic landscape. The new venture introduces a structured national platform for a sport that has been steadily gaining popularity among Filipinos.
Set to debut later this year, the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) will operate as a professional league sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board. The competition will feature teams representing Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with matches scheduled on weekends. The inaugural season will offer a prize pool of no less than PHP 5 million, underscoring the scale of the initiative.
A New Platform for Emerging Talent
Pacquiao emphasized that the league is part of his long-standing commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and expanding opportunities across different sports.
“It’s always been my mission to promote sports and give our athletes a platform to showcase their talents and bring pride and honor to their cities and provinces,” Pacquiao shared.
“I know it's a relatively new sport in the Philippines, but it's exciting and easy to learn. There is an abundance of up and coming talents in pickleball in the country. Giving them a chance to represent their cities and provinces will make the experience even more meaningful for them and those in their communities.”
The boxing icon has also personally embraced the sport, playing pickleball recreationally with his wife Jinkee at their gym in General Santos City, reflecting his growing interest beyond traditional athletics.
According to MPPT Chief Executive Officer Joe Ramos, three teams have already confirmed participation, while the full roster of eight teams is expected to be finalized this month. The tour will begin with a five-leg invitational this year, setting the stage for broader expansion in the future.
Competitive Format Designed for Growth
Each team in the league will consist of three men’s and three women’s players, competing across men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories. Matches will follow a round robin format on Saturdays, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals on Sundays.
“This format highlights the depth of talent in Philippine pickleball while creating a competitive and exciting team environment,” MPPT Commissioner Mark K. Espinosa explained.
The structure aims to balance competitiveness and accessibility, allowing emerging players to gain exposure while building a strong fan base for the sport.
Pacquiao’s latest initiative comes years after he founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, further reinforcing his influence in shaping grassroots and professional sports development in the country. With pickleball considered one of the fastest-rising sports in the Philippines, the launch of the MPPT could accelerate its mainstream adoption.
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