THE Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) is set to host the 1st Battle of Champions Open, a major tournament featuring some of the top teams from Visayas and Mindanao on April 27-May 4, 2025, in Pavia, Iloilo, and Passi City.
Six teams, including the visiting CM Farm of Davao and Team Khalifa of Tacloban, have confirmed their participation in the competition considered as the biggest basketball tournament in the Western Visayas Region.
Local teams expected to give the visitors a stiff contest are reigning Cebu City Sinulog Cup Champion RKF Industrial and Installation of Ryan K. Fio, Qualitech, Double 8, and Oking Merchandising Inc.
The tournament promises exciting matches featuring Cebuano and Ilonggo stars, former PBA players, and standouts from MPBL, UAAP and NCAA.
Games will be held at the Pavia Gym on April 27-28 and at the Passi City Arena on April 29-May 4.
Organized by the Ilongo Sports Events and Management Services (ISEMS), headed by Rolando Cunanan, the event is supported by the local governments of Pavia and Passi City.
Cunanan, who is also the tournament’s commissioner, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the two local government units (LGUs).
“A million thanks to Mayor Luigi Gorriceta and Pavia LGU, as well as to Mayor Stephen Palmares through their sports director Sir Randy Palomaria, and the entire Passi City LGU for their warm welcome and collaboration on this momentous and explosive event,” said Cunanan, who added that the tournament will also boost sports tourism in the region.
The tournament offers a substantial prize pool: P250,000 for the champion, P100,000 for the runner-up, P50,000 for third place, and P30,000 for fourth place.
Individual awards (MVP, Defensive Player, Sportsmanship, Mythical Five) will also be up for grabs.
The week-long tournament will follow a single-round robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals.
The winners in the semis race will face off in the championship match, while the losers will play for third place honors. (JBM)