Meralco Bolts to replace Barangay Ginebra in EASL

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 15) — The Meralco Bolts will replace Barangay Ginebra in the East Asia Super League (EASL) which begins next month.

According to the Philippine Basketball Association website, the Bolts will take over the spot of Ginebra, which is busy preparing for the 19th Asian Games in China.

Ginebra became the second team to pull out from the EASL following the disbandment of Hong Kong-based squad Bay Area Dragons.

Meralco is joining the TNT Tropang Giga as representatives of the Philippines in the regional league.

TNT is in Group A alongside Korean Basketball League champions Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, Chiba Jets, and P. LEAGUE+ champions Taipei Fubon Braves.

Meanwhile, the Bolts are in Group B with Japan B.League champions Ryukyu Golden Kings, Seoul SK Knights, and New Taipei Kings.

The EASL season will feature 28 games and will run from October 11 to March 10, 2024.