2025-26 PBA SEASON | 50 YEARS OF THIS!

Syd Salazar
Oct 4
2 min read

The PBA is set to open its 50th season this Sunday, October 5, and as always, we can expect the usual ceremony clichés. No disrespect to the production team, but like most tone-deaf openings rubber-stamped by aging execs who think they know the pulse of the masses, I’m bracing for a spectacle where macho basketball fans sit through a light-and-sound show with dancers in tight leotards and divas belting out power ballads inspired by Regine Velasquez, Jaya, and Lani Misalucha.

Maybe we’ll even see acts a la Viva Hot Babes or Masculados thrown in for good measure.

Now, that’s not on the performers—opening ceremonies usually chase a family-friendly vibe rather than tapping the best alt-rock acts in the country.

Not this time, though. For its golden year, the PBA is set to roll out a barrage of events worthy of the milestone. And while the league is once again leaning on vintage performers, I think they get a pass with Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera. These two icons have been part of the league’s soundscape for decades, especially back in the ’90s. I remember Martin being a diehard Ginebra fan during the Jawo years, while Gary leaned toward Alaska. I’m pretty sure he even gave a hip spin to their famous “Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska” jingle at one point.

But let’s be real: what fans are truly looking forward to are the revamped rosters. Sure, most of these guys will still struggle to stop June Mar Fajardo from chasing what could be his 10th MVP, but at least the league can celebrate the end of another farm team.

NorthPort Batang Pier has officially handed its franchise rights to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers—even as Terrafirma trudges into the season with a third-string lineup. No offense to the players, but in terms of “harvest value,” only Louie Sangalang, Kemark Carino, and Mark Nonoy are worth a look.

I’m ranking the teams I think will dominate this season based solely on the rosters they submitted to the PBA office. No deep dives, no analysis—just the list. For once, I’m giving myself a break from overexplaining. So here are my picks.