FIBA supports EASL's Home-and-Away League

Last year's Terrific 12 tournament of the East Asia Super League (EASL) featured three teams playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA): the San Miguel Beermen, the Blackwater Elite, and the Talk N Text KaTropa. With the latest development, the EASL will open the door for more teams to compete come 2021.

EASL and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) forged an agreement last Thursday for the launch of the EASL home-and-away league which is set for next year. It will be featuring teams from China, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. In a statement, league Chief Executive Officer Matt Beyer said, "EASL is thrilled to receive FIBA's support for the launch of our league" as FIBA will support EASL's home-and-away- league for the next 10 years. Beyer added, "With top teams from the greater China region, Japan, (South) Korea, and the Philippines, we are confident that it will become one of the top professional basketball competitions in the world by 2025"

In a separate statement, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis noted "The recognition of the East Asia Super League is based on a shown commitment to developing basketball in the region, and that is in line with FIBA's club competition strategy that is to shape international club competitions" as EASL is seen as beneficial for the growth of basketball in the region.

In a short chat with pinoyliga.com, former national team coach, nine-time PBA champion, and current head of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Coaches Academy, Jong Uichico has one sentence to explain why EASL's new home-and-away league will impact PBA players and eventually, Philippine basketball as a whole: "It is always beneficial (for our players) to get international exposure."

Eight teams are set to compete in the group stages that will start in October next year or, upon the completion of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup and from there on, the top four teams will play in the semifinals with the last two teams standing facing off in the championship round. The semifinals and the finals are set for February 2022 with Macau set to be the inaugural host of the league's Final Four. 

Photo is from ABS CBN Sports