The Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) is doubling down on grassroots development with the launch of a new off-season competition and a nationwide venue network aimed at strengthening the sport’s foundation.
At the forefront is SBA Next, a developmental league set to run from July to September 2026, designed to fast-track emerging Filipino talents into the professional ranks.
Unlike traditional formats, the league will feature a quicker pace and shorter shot clocks, mirroring SBA’s high-tempo style while preparing players for elite-level competition.
Participants in SBA Next will be placed under the guidance of team owners, creating a structured environment that blends mentorship with competitive exposure. The top standouts at the end of the tournament will earn spots in the official SBA Draft, where they can be picked by pro squads ahead of Season 3 in October.
“SBA Next is where future champions are built. This is not just a league—it’s a system that finally gives structure to raw Filipino talent,” said SBA founder and CEO Hadley Mariano.
Alongside the developmental push, SBA also introduced its Official Pool Hub Network, a collection of partner venues across the country that will serve as watch hubs and community centers for the sport. Among the initial venues are Cuehub Billiards Sportsbar and Lounge, Break88 Pool Club, 3Cushion Sportsbar, SkyJ Billiard Hall, Dreams Billiard Hall, and the soon-to-open Badkoi Billiards.
These hubs are expected to bring matches closer to fans while providing business opportunities for local pool hall operators through league-backed programs and partnerships.
The twin initiatives signal SBA’s intent to transform billiards from a largely fragmented, local pastime into a more cohesive national circuit—connecting players, venues, and fans under a unified system.
“It has always been our dream to build a system that connects pool halls and fans across the country,” Mariano added. “We believe this is the beginning of a more organized and sustainable billiards community in the Philippines.”
With SBA Next and the pool hub network in place, the league is positioning itself to widen the reach of billiards while creating a clearer pathway for the next wave of Filipino cue artists.
