The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially tipped off its golden 50th season, and what a spectacle it promises to be! On Sunday night, October 5, 2025, the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City was buzzing with anticipation as fans poured in for a double dose of celebration: the much-awaited Annual Leo Awards and the opening match of the Philippine Cup, the league’s flagship tournament. The energy was palpable, the stakes sky-high, and the storylines as rich as ever.
Before the first tip-off, the spotlight shone brightly on San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo, who was all but guaranteed to collect a record ninth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. No one in league history has won more than four, making Fajardo’s achievement truly unprecedented. “Who would have thought?” Fajardo mused in Filipino, reflecting on his unlikely journey to superstardom. “I was never a huge basketball fan [when I was younger], but here I am possibly winning another MVP.” According to the Inquirer, Fajardo’s humility and dominance continue to endear him to fans and peers alike.
But the MVP coronation was just the opening act. The main event featured a classic rivalry: Barangay Ginebra versus Magnolia, two of the PBA’s most storied franchises. The 7:30 p.m. showdown was more than just a game—it was a collision of old friendships, new beginnings, and a dash of nostalgia. Magnolia’s rookie coach LA Tenorio, only months removed from his storied playing career, made his coaching debut against his former team and mentor, Ginebra’s Tim Cone. Tenorio spent 13 seasons with Ginebra, capturing seven of his eight league titles there. Now, at 41, he’s listed in Magnolia’s 15-man roster and, in a twist reminiscent of PBA legend Robert “Sonny” Jaworski, might even see action as a player-coach.
“The team is learning and I’m also learning,” Tenorio told the Inquirer, candid about his own transition. “I still have a lot of things that I need to know and I think the comfortability [as a head coach] will come in if I know my players are ready and well-prepared. And that’s my job.” His presence has already fired up a Magnolia squad bolstered by the return of veterans Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, and Ian Sangalang, plus offseason pickups Paolo Taha and Javi Gomez De Liano. The Hotshots also drafted San Beda standout Yukien Andrada, though he’ll finish his college stint before joining the pro ranks.
On the other side, Ginebra is adjusting after losing wingman Jamie Malonzo to the Japan B.League. Yet, the Gin Kings remain a formidable unit. Coach Tim Cone, the league’s most successful tactician, added forward Sonny Estil, who surprised everyone by emerging as the PBA Draft Combine MVP. The Gin Kings’ faithful are eager to see how these new faces mesh with the team’s established core as they chase another title.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen, perennial favorites and defending champions, are determined to extend their Philippine Cup dominance. Fajardo won’t be going it alone—he’s got dynamic guard CJ Perez, sharpshooter Jericho Cruz, and a wild card in 34-year-old rookie Chris Miller, who has turned heads in preseason tune-ups. The Beermen’s experience and depth make them the team to beat, but the competition is fiercer than ever.
TNT Tropang Giga, fresh off a heartbreaking loss to San Miguel in the 2025 Philippine Cup finals that dashed their Grand Slam hopes, have reloaded in dramatic fashion. Just a day before the season opener, TNT signed free agent guard Jio Jalalon, a 33-year-old dynamo known for his defense and rebounding. Jalalon, who was left unsigned by the league’s newest team Titan Ultra (formerly NorthPort), joins a loaded backcourt featuring Jordan Heading, RR Pogoy, Kim Aurin, and the experienced duo of Rey Nambatac and Jayson Castro. Jalalon’s arrival marks TNT’s third high-profile offseason signing, following the acquisitions of high-flying forward Tyrus Hill and sharpshooter Kevin Ferrer. The Tropang Giga are hungry to bounce back and reclaim their place atop the league.
Elsewhere, the league’s independent teams are making bold moves. Converge, aiming to crash the SMC-MVP party, has brought in promising rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño. Rain or Shine, determined to break through after four straight semifinal exits, added veteran Stanley Pringle in free agency. Meralco, last year’s Philippine Cup champions, are eyeing a repeat run, while NLEX looks to rebound from a near-miss in the semifinals. Blackwater, hungry for playoff relevance, is banking on rookie guard Dalph Panopio to provide a spark.
New faces and fresh challenges abound. Titan Ultra, the league’s latest expansion team, is bracing for some growing pains as they build chemistry and identity. Phoenix, under rookie coach Willy Wilson, is hoping a youthful roster can translate into wins. Terrafirma, led by rookie coach Ronald Tubid, is managing expectations as they await the arrival of No. 1 overall draft pick Geo Chiu later in the conference.
The PBA isn’t just staying home this season, either. While most Philippine Cup games will be played at the Ynares Center facilities in Antipolo and Montalban, the league will also stage matches in Dubai and Bahrain, underscoring its ambition to grow the Filipino basketball brand abroad. The season itself is the longest in league history, set to run until December 2026 and sticking with the traditional three-conference format.
As the Leo Awards and opening ceremonies gave way to the first tip-off, fans were left with plenty of burning questions. Can June Mar Fajardo add even more hardware to his already crowded trophy case? Will LA Tenorio find success as a head coach, perhaps even as a rare playing coach? Can TNT’s new-look roster finally deliver the Grand Slam that slipped away last year? And which of the upstart teams will emerge as the season’s dark horse?
One thing is certain: the PBA’s 50th season is off to a rollicking start. With familiar faces in new places, a parade of rising stars, and a schedule that stretches across continents, the league is embracing both its rich history and a future full of promise. The action has only just begun, and if opening night is any indication, fans are in for a golden year of unforgettable basketball drama.
