At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City, the Le P:Lab 3×3 Philippine Champions Cup was formally introduced on April 16 through a press conference led by Jeong Seong-han, founder of SB Town, alongside partners NBL-Pilipinas and Le P:Lab.
The gathering brought together members of the media and key stakeholders to present a tournament that aims to redefine how basketball is experienced across the country.
The atmosphere inside the venue carried a quiet anticipation that steadily built as the program unfolded. What initially seemed like a straightforward sports announcement quickly evolved into something far more layered—a vision of basketball not just as competition but as a cultural event designed to travel, connect, and energize communities nationwide.
At the center of the conversation was Jeong Seong-han, whose remarks set the tone for the entire launch. His message revolved around one undeniable truth: basketball in the Philippines is not confined to professional arenas. It thrives in neighborhood courts, street corners, and everyday life. That reality became the foundation of the Champions Cup’s concept, a nationwide series that embraces the grassroots while elevating the experience to a larger stage.
Set to begin in June, the tournament will roll out across eight legs, each expected to gather around 100 teams. The scale immediately suggests a strong push toward inclusivity, allowing both emerging players and seasoned competitors to participate in a format that is fast-paced and highly engaging. The 3×3 setup, known for its intensity and accessibility, aligns perfectly with the local basketball culture, where quick games and tight spaces are part of the norm.
@lionheartv Get ready! The Le,P:LAB 3×3 Philippine Champions Cup kicks off this June! With ₱2M on the line, watch Filipino & Korean celebs team up with pro legends like Miller and De Ocampo. Don’t miss the ultimate cross-country hoops showdown! @SBTown #SBTown #LePLab #LionHearTV #RAWRNation ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
But the event’s ambition extends well beyond the court. As highlighted during the press conference, each leg is designed to function as a festival, complete with live performances, celebrity appearances, and interactive segments. This multi-layered approach transforms the tournament into a full-day experience, where audiences are not just spectators but active participants in a shared cultural moment.
One of the most anticipated elements revealed was the exhibition match featuring a mix of Korean celebrities and Philippine basketball icons. Names like Willie Miller, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jeff Chan, and Mark Caguioa are set to share the court, creating a crossover moment that blends sport with entertainment. The concept alone drew visible excitement, hinting at a match that will appeal to both hardcore basketball fans and casual viewers alike.
Adding weight to the competition is the ₱2 million prize pool, reinforcing that while the event embraces entertainment, it remains grounded in serious athletic stakes. The combination of high rewards and wide participation positions the Champions Cup as both a platform for talent and a spectacle for audiences.
Throughout the event, a recurring theme emerged: collaboration. The partnership between SB Town, NBL-Pilipinas, and Le P:Lab reflects a convergence of industries—sports, lifestyle, and branding—working toward a common goal. This collaborative energy was evident not just in the presentations but also in the project’s overall direction, which seeks to bridge communities and cultures through a shared love for the game.
As the press conference concluded, the sense of anticipation lingered. The Champions Cup is not simply entering the local sports scene—it is attempting to reshape it. By combining grassroots participation, professional-level competition, and festival-style experiences, it introduces a format that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
With its nationwide rollout set to begin soon, the Le P:Lab 3×3 Philippine Champions Cup stands poised to transform ordinary courts into vibrant hubs of energy, where every dribble, every play, and every cheer becomes part of a larger celebration of basketball and community. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
