MANILA, Philippines — The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), a professional league for the fast-growing sport of pickleball, is set to launch in the Philippines later this year, with Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao leading the initiative.
Pacquiao, who founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, will spearhead the league’s expansion as pickleball gains popularity in the country.
The MPPT will operate under the sanction of the Games and Amusements Board and will feature teams from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Matches will be played on weekends, with a minimum prize pool of P5 million.
In a statement, Pacquiao said the league aims to provide athletes a platform to compete and represent their communities.
The MPPT will begin with a five-leg invitational tournament this year. Organizers said three teams have already confirmed participation, with an eight-team lineup expected to be completed within the month.
Each team will consist of three male and three female players competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles events. Round-robin matches will be held on Saturdays, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals on Sundays.
MPPT commissioner Mark K. Espinosa said the format is designed to showcase talent and promote competitive team play in Philippine pickleball.
