The excitement of Tarlaquenos for the upcoming debut of Tarlac in the MPBL turned into disappointment after the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) barred the Tarlac United Force from participating in the league due to its failure to pay the required fees. Tarlac was supposed to play its debut game on April 18, 2024 against the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.
In a statement released by the MPBL today (April 16, 2024), Tarlac United Force failed to fulfill its financial obligations despite numerous requests and demands. In spite of this, the MPBL still thanked the MPBL fans from Tarlac for their unwavering support to the league.
Weeks before the opening of the MPBL, team Tarlac announced that it signed homegrown players Marlon Gomez, Roberto Bartolo and Danielle Mallari, among others. Notwithstanding this unfortunate circumstance, the MPBL is still open to the possibility of have a team from Tarlac in the future.
Read the full statement of the MPBL below.
"Due to the team's unfulfilled financial obligations despite numerous requests and demands by the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) to rectify the situation, the Tarlac United Force will no longer be part of the 2024 MPBL Season.The MPBL extends its sincere gratitude to the fans and supporters of the Province of Tarlac for their [sic] unwavering support and understanding. We eagerly look forward to the possibility of having a team from the esteemed province that can provide fans with source of pride and unity in the near future."