The 2026 season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is off to a blazing start, with several contenders immediately staking their claim just days into the league’s 8th campaign.
In the North Division, the early race is tightly packed at the top as five teams remain unbeaten. The San Juan Knights lead the charge at 2–0, riding strong momentum highlighted by the much-anticipated debut of Michael Phillips, who made his first MPBL appearance last April 16 against the Cebu Greats. San Juan’s balanced attack has quickly made them the team to beat.






