ELECTRONICS company Vivo and retail giant Ayala Malls bring China’s popular three-on-three league HoopBattle Championship to the country on July 1 in select malls in Metro Manila.
Forty-eight teams will vie in a monthlong tournament that will be played in five Ayala Malls—Glorietta, TriNoma, Market Market, Fairview Terraces and South Park.
ABS-CBN Sports and Action will air the finals live on July 29.
HoopBatlle will be played under Fiba rules. The top 2 teams will receive cash prizes and an all-expense paid trip to China in October to compete in the Finals. There, the Filipino teams will engage topnotch Chinese teams for bigger prizes.
“We’re happy to bring this event to the Philippines. 3×3 has gained the respect and popularity among basketball enthusiasts,” HoopBattle General Manager Temple told the news conference on Tuesday at Ayala Vertis North in Quezon City.
The Philippine edition is the first HoopBattle event outside of China. It started in 2015 and instantly rose to popularity.
“This is the perfect time to enter the Philippines,” Temple added.
Interested teams can soon view the details the details of the league at www.hoopbattle.ph. The final list of teams will be announced on June 10. Players 18 years old and above may join the league, but professionals and ex-pros are encouraged to participate.
The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.