EASL pushes back its home-and-away for Season 1, eyes ‘Champions Week’

Former NBA player Metta World Peace grace the EASL drawing of lots Tuesday as he joins (from left) PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, EASL CEO Matt Beyer, KBL commissioner Kim Hee Ok, and B. League chairman Shinji Shimada. –EASL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The East Asia Super League has shelved its original home-and-away format for its maiden season due to COVID-19-related issues throughout the region.

Instead, the EASL is discussing the possibility of staging a “Champions Week” in Manila.

“Our mission remains to create the premier basketball league and entertainment experience in Asia, elevating the sport in the region. Controlling variables and operating our season in the most responsible manner reduces uncertainty for all our stakeholders as international travel throughout the region rebounds incrementally,” said EASL CEO Matt Beyer in a statement.

The EASL, which pits champion teams from other pro leagues in the region against each other, said it will go about with its home-and-away setup in “Fall 2023.”

Initially, reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer was to clash with Korean Basketball League’s Anyang KGC in the season opener on October 12 in Seoul, South Korea.

TNT, which lost to the Beermen in seven games, is the other PBA team representing the country in the EASL. The Tropang Giga were also supposed to play the Bay Area Dragons in Manila on October 12.

Despite hitting a snag, the EASL said it remains on track on its goal to become one of the world’s top three professional basketball leagues in terms of fan base and commercial revenue by 2025.