EASL announces groupings for 2025–26 season, Black Bears in Group B

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has announced the groupings and schedule for the upcoming 2025–26 season, which will see the competition expand in both size and structure.

This new season marks a significant step forward for the EASL, increasing from 10 to 12 teams and from 34 to 42 games. For the first time, the competition will be divided into three groups for the initial stage of play.

The postseason format has also been revamped.

The top two teams from each group will advance to a newly introduced Round of 6, with the season culminating in a single championship game to determine the winner.

Macau will once again be represented by the Macau Black Bears, who are placed in Group B. Their group includes formidable opponents: the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (Taiwan), Ryukyu Golden Kings (Japan), and a yet-to-be-named Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team.

Notably, the Pilots reached the finals last year, narrowly losing to Hiroshima Dragonflies (Japan) in a hard-fought 72–68 match held at Macau’s Studio City Event Center.

In Group A, Utsunomiya Brex (Japan) will compete alongside the Taipei Fubon Braves (Taiwan), Seoul SK Knights (Korea), and Hong Kong Eastern.

Group C will feature Changwon LG Sakers (Korea), the New Taipei Kings (Taiwan), Alvark Tokyo (Japan), and Xac Broncos (Mongolia).

The 2025–26 season will tip off on October 8, starting with a tripleheader that includes a doubleheader in Taipei and the league’s first-ever game in Tokyo.

Other key highlights include the EASL’s debut in Mongolia on November 1, a Christmas Eve clash in Taipei, and select weekend games scheduled to improve accessibility for fans.

The Macau Black Bears will begin their season on November 15 and play their first home game on December 6.

The group stage matches will conclude by February 11, 2026, followed by the playoffs starting March 18.