EASL 2026-27 season starts for Macau’s new representative

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has officially announced the 12-team field, groupings and full schedule for the 2026-27 season, setting the stage for its biggest campaign yet.

The 12 clubs representing seven Asian basketball markets will compete across three groups, with 36 group-stage games to be played across the region from this October through February next year, before the competition advances to the postseason in March.

For Macau’s new representative, “Hou Chon,” the season begins on Oct. 3 (Saturday) at the brand-new SM Seaside Cebu Arena in Cebu, Philippines, where the team will make its EASL debut against the Taipei Fubon Braves.

On the same day, the reigning Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champions, the Abra Weavers, will make their historic first EASL appearance against Hong Kong Eastern.

Placed in Group B, Macau Hou Chon will also face Busan KCC Egis of Korea and Nagasaki Velca of Japan.

The upcoming campaign will feature clubs from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines and Mongolia as the league continues to expand.

Among this season’s novelties are five clubs that will make their EASL debuts, including the previously mentioned Weavers, who will be the first team from the MPBL to compete in the EASL.

In addition to the Weavers and Macau Hou Chon, new names include Goyang Sono Skygunners, TSG GhostHawks and Nagasaki Velca, who will also make their first appearance in the league.

“The strength of this year’s field reflects exactly what EASL was created to achieve,” said Henry Kerins, chief executive officer of EASL.

“Every club has earned its place by proving themselves in Asia’s top domestic leagues. This season combines established champions, ambitious newcomers and some of the most exciting players in Asian basketball. From opening night in Cebu to major home-and-away matchups across seven markets and ultimately the race for the EASL championship, this is what regional club basketball should look like, and we can’t wait to get started.”