Pacquiao backs pro pickleball league

Alta Sports4 days ago · 81 views

Pacquiao backs pro pickleball league image

Photo: Pickleball Philippines

By MIguel Palaban

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is expanding his involvement in Philippine sports with the creation of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, a new professional league expected to debut later this year.

The initiative marks Pacquiao’s latest venture into sports development following the success of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

This time, the focus shifts to pickleball, a rapidly growing discipline that has continued to attract players across the country in recent years.

Backed by the Games and Amusements Board, the tournament will gather teams representing different regions from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Photo: Maharlika Pilipinas Pickeball Tour

Organizers are also preparing a minimum prize fund of ₱5 million for the inaugural season.

“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 said in a press release.

Away from the spotlight, the former eight-division boxing world champion has also become an active recreational player alongside his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, at their residence in General Santos City.

“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,” he added.

MPPT chief executive officer Joe Ramos revealed that three clubs have already committed to joining the competition, while the complete eight-team cast is expected to be finalized within the month.

The opening season will start with a five-stage invitational setup featuring men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles contests played every weekend

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