SBA and PTV seal strategic media partnership at Philippine Open 2025 Press Conference

The Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) officially launched the Philippine Open 2025 in a milestone press conference and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the Sharks Arena and Sports Bar. The event celebrated the start of a significant media partnership with People’s Television Network (PTV) and laid out the direction for one of the biggest professional billiards tournaments in the country. 

The press conference gathered key stakeholders in the billiards, broadcast, and regulatory sectors, offering insight into SBA’s vision, tournament structure, and its rising stature in the world of Philippine cue sports. 

A League Backed by Leaders 

The event was attended by high-ranking officials and respected figures including:

• Hadley Mariano, SBA Commissioner and Founder 
• Francisco Rivera, Chairman, Games and Amusements Board (GAB) 
• Oscar M. Orbos, Chairperson of the Board and OIC-Network General Manager, People’s Television Network 
• Atty. Pamela Parce, Legal and Administrative Officer, People’s Television Network
•  Team Owners representing SBA’s founding franchises:
  • Reynato Roallos Jr., Manila MSW Mavericks
  • Atty. Glenn Michael Nuestro, Quezon City Dragons
  • Edmund Jose, Taguig Stallions
  • Marc Yao, Negros Occidental Pillars 

Their presence underscored the collaborative commitment between public institutions, private franchise owners, and SBA’s league organizers to push billiards into a new chapter of mainstream professional sports.

Billiards on the Rise: GAB Chairman Applauds SBA 

Chairman Francisco Rivera highlighted the surging interest in billiards, noting GAB’s data on tournament growth. “In 2019, we only had 7 sanctioned events. By 2024, that number grew to 35—and we’ve already recorded 15 in the first quarter of 2025. This momentum shows the sport is thriving. I give the SBA two thumbs up for creating a platform where our players can shine professionally.” 

Philippine Open 2025: Bigger, Better, More Inclusive 

Commissioner Hadley Mariano revealed that SBA has already exceeded its registration goal of 128 players for the Philippine Open 2025 and is now preparing to open additional slots due to overwhelming interest. The tournament will follow international 9-ball rules, with a Race to 7 format in the early rounds and a Race to 13 in the finals. 

Although the full prize distribution is still being finalized, Mariano confirmed that the ₱1 million prize pool would allocate approximately 30–40% to the overall champion, setting a new benchmark for professional billiards earnings in the country. 

He also emphasized SBA’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that female cue artists are welcome and encouraged to join the tournament. 

Media Partnership with PTV: Cue Sports Go Primetime 

One of the event’s main highlights was the announcement of the SBA’s non-exclusive media partnership with People’s Television Network (PTV). Under the agreement, SBA matches—including those from the Philippine Open—will be aired on primetime television in a dedicated 2-hour broadcast slot. 

“This partnership is a game-changer,” said Mariano. “We’re bringing billiards into Filipino homes nationwide. And while PTV will be our lead partner, other networks are also welcome to broadcast SBA games. This is about growing the sport, not limiting it.” 

SBA’s Vision: Becoming the NBA of Billiards 

When asked about the long-term direction of SBA, Mariano didn’t mince words. “Our goal is for SBA to become the NBA of billiards—a fully professional, highly competitive, and widely respected league that Filipino players can aspire to and be proud of.”

This vision was supported by the league’s team owners in attendance, many of whom have begun scouting players from the Philippine Open to sign for SBA Season 2. Notably, powerhouse franchises like the Taguig Stallions and Manila MSW Mavericks are sponsoring top-tier players to compete in the Open as part of their recruitment strategy. 

On the BSCP Suspension: SBA Remains Unaffected 

Addressing the current suspension of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), Mariano clarified that the SBA operates independently as a professional league under the GAB. “We are not affected by the BSCP’s situation, but we do hope for a resolution—for the sake of the sport at all levels.” 

A New Era Begins 

The SBA x PTV MOA signing was not just ceremonial—it signaled the start of a new, structured, and professional future for billiards in the country. With full broadcast support, strong franchise ownership, government backing, and a booming player base, the Philippine Open 2025 is more than a tournament—it’s a declaration that Filipino cue sports are ready for the national stage. 

This article is brought to you by Sharks Billiards Association.