PBA will be hosting its first ever esports tournament on the first quarter of 2023

Setsuna "Akosi Dogie" Ignacio teams up with PBA players Jerick Ahanmisi, Allen Mina, and Joseph Gabayni in the grand finals of League Studios' nationwide amateur tournament, the Kings League. The team went up against the recently announced Minana Esports. Obviously, Minana Esports won against the PBA Allstars with a 51-19 score.

However, the team up between the PBA stars and one of the famous Mobile Legends influencers and pro players was a hint of the PBA’s plans in entering the esports scene. Dark League's head of operations, Carlo Giron, revealed that the studio is currently helping the PBA in creating its own esports league.

"Our initial plan kasi for PBA esports, yung roster namin for 12 PBA teams will consist of two PBA players, 1 ML influencer, three PBA fans/grassroots players, and one player [from the academe]," revealed Giron.

Dark League Studios head AC Valdenor also added, "That program sets the tone for the upcoming PBA Esports Bakbakan which will happen in the first quarter of next year. So watch out and support your favorite PBA teams compete and play with the most influential gamers, fans, and academe esports players."

It was also revealed that at the upcoming competition, fans will see their favorite basketball players in the Land of Dawn. Valdenor said that even the players are also excited to enter the world of MLBB.

"The PBA players who participated told us that it was a great experience talaga. Nakakabitin! Nakaka-excite daw to play these games in front of the fans! The show match proved that esports is for everyone. We were able to bridge two different worlds: basketball and esports," he said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support that resulted to the success of Kings League Season One, and to our team in Dark League Studios who pushed themselves to the limits to make sure we make a mark in the realm of Esports," he added.

Valdenor also thanked the PBA and SBP officials for paving the way of establishing a close partnership between the league and the esports organization.

"Thank you to Mr. Bobby Rosales for creating aspirations and opportunities for the grassroots esports development. Our team really admires his passion and dedication to bring esports in our country to the next level. [Thank you to ] Commissioner Willie Marcial for believing in the influence of esports to our country and supporting the next generation, [and] Mr. Alfrancis Chua for inspiring everyone in our team to be more creative and push ourselves to produce better esports ideas and implement it flawlessly."

He also expressed his gratitude to SBP Chairman Al Panlilio for "inspiring the next generation to learn and participate in esports programs and create a better community that promotes responsible gaming." He also thanked PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas for promoting the spirit of collaboration to "expand and generate talents through esports grassroots programs."

Dark League Studios’ Kings League will return by the second quarter of 2023.