Hou Chon becomes second Macau team to join EASL

Macau champions Hou Chon Basketball Club have secured their first-ever appearance in the East Asia Super League (EASL), becoming the only local team confirmed to represent Macau in the 2026-27 season.

Hou Chon will be the second Macau team to compete in the regional basketball competition, following the Macau Black Bears, who represented the territory during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Macau has also played a role in the development of the EASL, with the SAR hosting the league’s postseason events in each of the past two seasons.

In a statement released by EASL, Hou Chon Basketball Club owner Jeff Chan said the team’s qualification represents an important milestone for the club and its players.

“It is an honor for Hou Chon Basketball Club to compete in EASL for the 2026-27 season. Qualifying for EASL is an important opportunity for our club and our players. It means that we will truly represent Macau SAR in Asia’s premier basketball league, bringing our local players onto the international stage to compete and learn alongside world-class powerhouses,” Chan said.

He added that the participation marks a significant step toward the international development of basketball in Macau.

EASL CEO Henry Kerins welcomed Hou Chon’s inclusion, saying Macau has become an important part of the league through both its hosting role and participation by local teams.

“We look forward to seeing Hou Chon represent Macau SAR and compete on the regional stage,” he said.

Founded in 2012 by Chan, Hou Chon competes in the All-Macau Basketball Silver Medal League and recently won the 2026 Senior Division championship.

The team’s qualification brings the number of confirmed participants for the 2026-27 EASL season to 11 teams from six markets, including Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Organizers said additional teams are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.