MANILA — The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has expelled the Iloilo United Royals from the 2026 season, revoking the franchise and permanently banning its management and officers, reasoning out that the team abandoned its participation in the league.
In one of the harshest disciplinary actions in MPBL history, league officials on Tuesday voided all games involving the United Royals this season and ordered further sanctions against franchise officials.
The drastic move came after Iloilo forfeited its June 17 game against Negros at the One Arena in Cainta and failed to provide a firm commitment for its scheduled June 24 contest against Pasig.
“The MPBL has determined that the Iloilo franchise has abandoned its obligations and participation in the League in clear violation of its franchise agreement and League rules and regulations,” the league said in a statement.
The United Royals struggled throughout the season amid organizational turmoil and player departures that raised concerns about the team’s ability to continue competing.
Before its expulsion, Iloilo posted a 2-11 record, including the forfeited match against Negros.
Aside from the permanent ban imposed on the franchise’s management and officers, the league said additional sanctions would include the indefinite suspension of league privileges and the enforcement of any outstanding obligations.
The MPBL also disclosed that a wider investigation may be conducted in coordination with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
According to the league, the inquiry stems from reports submitted by its third-party integrity partner, Sportradar, and recommendations from the MPBL Technical Committee.
League officials said the investigation could cover the franchise’s owners, managers, coaches, staff and players.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta stressed that the league would continue to safeguard the credibility of the competition.
“The MPBL remains committed to protecting the integrity of the League, the interest of its stockholders, partners, and sponsors, and the welfare of its teams, players, partners and fans,” Oreta said.
The revocation leaves Iloilo without representation in the country’s premier regional professional basketball league and casts uncertainty over the future of professional basketball in the province./PN
