The Manila Times

OKBet backs MPBL as title sponsor

ROSELLE AQUINO

THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is back. And for another season, popular gaming portal OKBet returns to give support to the country’s premiere regional basketball league as title sponsor for Season 5.

The league opened on March 11 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City and MPBL games are already in full swing in various venues nationwide.

Former senator and MPBL founder Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao spearheaded the opening ceremony, which was attended by players, coaches, team owners, and other representatives from the 29 teams competing this year.

In his speech, Pacquaio expressed his gratitude to the provincial government of Quezon for hosting the season opener. He also thanked OKBet for its continuous support in providing sustainable opportunities to aspiring Filipino sportsmen and developing the local competitive scene.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, Quezon Gov. Helen Tan, and OKBet representatives also attended the league’s opening rites.

Along with the renewal of OKBet and MPBL’s sponsorship deal came new opportunities for the Filipino sports community, as the gaming firm promised to continue its “Play It Forward” campaign.

This initiative, which was launched late last year, aims to promote sports development at the grassroots level through partnerships with different institutions, communities, and local government units.

In an interview, OKBet brand manager Alex Barcela said that the company will keep enlisting the help of MPBL players and coaching staff to host more basketball camps for aspiring talents in different venues.

The support of OKBet also helps the league in providing career opportunities to over 600 players, team staff, and officiating personnel across different regions in the country.

Last year, OKBet backed the return of the MPBL after the nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Season 4 enjoyed high ratings and reached at least 12 million in total viewers. League officials are expecting to surpass the numbers this year.

Sports

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2023-03-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://manilatimes.pressreader.com/article/282162180447944

The Manila Times