MANILA -- Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is spearheading efforts to launch a new professional league -- this time, in the fast-growing sport of pickleball.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) will be launched later this year as a professional outfit, sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board.
Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be represented in the team-based, weekends-only event. The inaugural tour will feature a prize pool of no less than PHP 5 million.
"It’s always been my mission to promote sports and give our athletes a platform to showcase their talents and bring pride and honor to their cities and provinces," said Pacquiao.
"I know it's a relatively new sport in the Philippines, but it's exciting and easy to learn. There is an abundance of up and coming talents in pickleball in the country. Giving them a chance to represent their cities and provinces will make the experience even more meaningful for them and those in their communities."
The "Pacman" recently picked up the sport, playing it as a hobby with wife Jinkee in their gym at General Santos City.
According to MPPT Chief Executive Officer Joe Ramos, three teams have already confirmed their participation, with the full roster of eight teams expected to be finalized this month.
The MPPT will kick off with a five-leg invitational this year.
Each team will have three men’s and three women’s players, competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Round robin group matches are scheduled on Saturday, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals on Sunday. The semifinals and finals are also slated on Sunday.
"This format highlights the depth of talent in Philippine pickleball while creating a competitive and exciting team environment," said MPPT Commissioner Mark K. Espinosa.