The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) officially unveiled the lineup and competition format for the MPBL 2026 Pre-Season Invitational, setting the stage for an exciting buildup to the league’s next season. The tournament will run from February 7 to March 21, with games scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, promising weeks of nonstop basketball action for fans across the country.
The pre-season tournament features two loaded groups composed of established MPBL contenders, emerging provincial squads, and developmental teams.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Abra Solid North Weavers | Quezon Huskers |
| Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters | San Juan Knights |
| Gensan Warriors | Caloocan Batang Kankaloo |
| Biñan Tatak Gel | Pasay Voyagers |
| Mindoro Tamaraws | Ilagan Isabela Cowboys |
| Bataan Risers | Muntinlupa Cagers |
| Quezon City Galeries Taipan | Marikina Shoemasters |
| Sarangani Marlins | MPBL D-League Team |
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta outlined a competitive and fan-friendly format designed to reward consistency while keeping the playoff race intense.Each group will play a single round-robin, with all teams facing every other team in their group once.
The top team in each group will advance directly to the semifinals.The No. 2 and No. 3 teams in each group will battle in a playoff matchup to determine the second semifinalist from their group.
The semifinals will follow a crossover format: No. 1 in Group A will face the winner of the No. 2 vs No. 3 matchup in Group B. No. 1 in Group B will meet the winner of the No. 2 vs No. 3 matchup in Group A.
The winners of these semifinal matchups will then dispute the championship title, crowning the MPBL 2026 Pre-Season Invitational champion.Beyond trophies and bragging rights, the invitational serves as a crucial evaluation platform for teams to test new lineups, integrate recruits, develop chemistry, and sharpen systems ahead of the official MPBL season. With traditional powerhouses, regional rivals, and young talents sharing the floor, the tournament promises high-level competition and intense matchups from opening day to the finals.
With packed schedules, a balanced format, and meaningful stakes, the MPBL 2026 Pre-Season Invitational is shaping up to be more than just a warm-up tournament — it’s a full-scale basketball spectacle that sets the tone for the upcoming MPBL season.