Pickleball is set for a major step forward in the Philippines with the launch of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), a professional league backed by Manny Pacquiao and scheduled to debut later this year.

Sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board, the MPPT will feature a team-based, weekends-only format with squads representing Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The inaugural season will offer a prize pool of at least 5 million pesos.

Pacquiao said the league aims to provide a platform for emerging athletes in a sport that continues to gain popularity nationwide. He has also taken up pickleball recreationally in recent months.

“It’s always been my mission to promote sports and give our athletes a platform to showcase their talents and bring pride and honor to their cities and provinces,” said Pacquiao.

According to MPPT chief executive officer Joe Ramos, three teams have already confirmed participation, with a full roster of eight teams expected to be finalized this month.

The league will open with a five-leg invitational. Each team will field three men’s and three women’s players competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Group matches will be held on Saturdays, with knockout rounds — including the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals — scheduled on Sundays.

Commissioner Mark K. Espinosa said the format is designed to highlight the depth of local talent while creating a competitive team environment.

Organizers said growing nationwide interest positions the MPPT to become the country’s premier professional pickleball platform.