BASKETBALL/EASL increases champion prize to US$1.5 million

Taipei, Jan. 26 (CNA) The East Asia Super League (EASL), an international basketball competition featuring top teams from across the region, has significantly increased the prize money for its champion to US$1.5 million as the league continues to expand.

In a statement issued Monday, EASL said the runners-up in the ongoing 2025-26 season will receive US$750,000, while the third-placed team will be awarded US$350,000. That represents a 50 percent increase in prize money for the top two finishers and a 40 percent increase for the third-placed team.

The increase reflects EASL's expansion from eight teams to 12 in its third season. The league operates independently of domestic leagues in a format similar to a Champions League for East Asian basketball.

It features three clubs each from Taiwan and Japan, two from South Korea, and one each from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia, with the teams divided into three groups and the top two from each advancing to the "EASL Finals."

"The renaming of the EASL Finals for the 2025-26 season represents a milestone for our league and reflects how far EASL has grown in a short period of time," EASL CEO Henry Kerins was cited as saying.

"With a larger season, a deeper field, and a championship stage in Macau, this postseason will be the biggest expression of what EASL is becoming. We are excited to bring our most ambitious finals yet to life and deliver a championship experience that matches the scale of our league," he added.

According to the statement, the EASL Finals will consist of quarterfinals, semifinals and a championship game, and take place on March 18, 20 and 22.

While EASL has yet to decide on a venue for the quarterfinals, the semifinals and championship game will be held at Studio City Macau, it said.

Each of the three Taiwanese teams -- the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (PLG), the Taipei Fubon Braves (PLG) and the New Taipei Kings (TPBL) -- have at least one game remaining, and none has yet secured a spot in the EASL Finals.

The Braves, currently 2-2, are scheduled to visit Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul to face the Seoul SK Knights on Wednesday.

The regular season will conclude on Feb. 11.