MPBL bans Bacolod players, coaches; suspends franchise for season

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has permanently banned the Bacolod Masskara players and coaches who were issued Red Cards and suspended the franchise for the remainder of the 2026 season following allegations of game manipulation during its controversial July 28 game against the Bulacan Kuyas.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the league reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport, announcing that Red Cards had been issued to the individuals involved in the alleged incident.

“The League Office has officially issued Red Cards to the involved players and coaches of Bacolod Masskara,” the statement read. “All individuals served with Red Cards are permanently banned from the league. The League is also announcing that the franchise’s participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled.”

The sanctions came in the wake of Bacolod’s 100-64 loss to Bulacan, a game that drew widespread criticism after viewers noticed several Bacolod players repeatedly missing uncontested layups and wide-open shots during the live broadcast. The team also endured a scoring drought of more than eight minutes, fueling allegations of game-fixing and game manipulation.

However, the MPBL clarified that the Red Cards are preventive and administrative measures while the league continues its investigation in coordination with relevant government agencies. It also revealed that the Bacolod franchise had previously been warned by the Office of the Commissioner, with some team members having earlier received Yellow Cards this season.

The league added that its Red Card system, initiated by founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao and recognized by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), was established to combat game manipulation and safeguard the integrity of Philippine basketball.

“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball,” the league said, vowing to remain “relentless and uncompromising in eradicating game manipulation from Philippine basketball.”

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