March 19, 2026

EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

00 최소 읽기

EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

작성자

Tyler Schiff

EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

Four EASL Finals semifinalists met with media in Macau on Thursday. Players, coaches league officials and more set the stage for Friday's semifinals.

The EASL Finals held its official press conference for its third postseason as representatives from all four semifinal teams gathered in Macau to speak to media, alongside EASL CEO Henry Kerins and Senior Vice President and General Manager at Studio City Macau, Kevin Benning.

Alvark Tokyo (B.LEAGUE), the Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE), Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+), and Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE) took to the podium ahead of the semifinal round, each expressing their appreciation for a competition that brings together the best from every market across the region — champions pitted against champions on a genuinely international stage.

"There's no need to talk about motivation (when it comes to the EASL Finals," star Alvark point guard Kai Toews said. "It's a big opportunity and we're ready to play." 

To open the press conference, media heard first from Kerins, who was emphatic about his enthusiasm for Macau as the home of the EASL Finals. Now in its second consecutive postseason in the city, the EASL's relationship with Macau runs deep — dating back to 2017 — when the league first brought its week-long tournaments here before evolving into the 36-game regular season format it runs today.  

"Macau has been part of our story from the very beginning," Kerins said. "What we're building here — bringing Asia's best teams together in one of the region's great cities — is exactly the kind of integrated sports experience that puts Macau on the map for the right reasons. We believe the best is still to come."

Benning echoed that sentiment on behalf of Studio City, welcoming Asia's premier basketball competition back within its walls for another postseason run.

"Hosting the EASL Finals for a second consecutive year reinforces our commitment to supporting the positioning of Macau SAR as a global hub for elite sports,” Benning said. "For us, this is about more than just hosting a tournament, it’s about bringing that 'Fun Never Ends' energy to life for fans across the region. We’ve created a world-class stage where elite athletics and the spirit of Macau converge, and we are ready for the world to see it.”

The EASL Finals has grown into one of the region's most significant sporting events, and Macau has been central to that story. By anchoring its postseason here for the second consecutive year, the league continues to draw fans and media from across the continent — bringing the kind of sports tourism that puts Macau on the map as a destination for elite Asian competition.

The semifinal round tips off on Friday, March 20 with the Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) taking on the Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE) at 18:00, followed by Alvark Tokyo (B.LEAGUE) facing the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+) at 20:30. Both games are held at the Studio City Event Center.

The two winners advance to the Finals, where the champion will take home $1.5 million USD from a prize pool that also includes $750,000 for the runner-up and $375,000 for third place.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get the latest

고맙습니다!제출이 접수되었습니다!
죄송합니다!뭔가 잘못됐어요.

뉴스 더 보기

투명

고맙습니다!제출이 접수되었습니다!
죄송합니다!양식을 제출하는 중에 문제가 발생했습니다.
Taoyuan Clinches P. LEAGUE+ Playoff Spot, Eyes 2025-26 EASL Berth

5 Feb

Taoyuan Pauian Pilots

게임 노트: A조 — 타오위안 파이로츠 (3-2) vs 홍콩 이스턴 (3-2)

3 Feb

Taoyuan Pauian Pilots

Hong Kong Eastern

Kenny Manigault Named EASL January POTM, Lin, McLaughlin Earn 2nd TOTM Selection

27 Jan

New Taipei Kings

Hiroshima Dragonflies

Macau Black Bears

Hong Kong Eastern

EASL Adds Mongolia’s ‘The League’ To 2025-26 Roster And Beyond

24 Jan

항목을 찾을 수 없습니다.
New Taipei Kings Defeat KCC Despite JLin7 Injury

21 Jan

Busan KCC Egis

New Taipei Kings

GAME NOTES: GROUP B — New Taipei Kings (1-2) vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings (4-0)

4 Jan

New Taipei Kings

GAME NOTES: GROUP A — Hong Kong Eastern (1-2) vs. Suwon KT Sonicboom (2-2)

3 Jan

Hong Kong Eastern

GAME NOTES: GROUP B — Ryukyu Golden Kings (3-0) vs. New Taipei Kings (1-1)

23 Dec

Ryukyu Golden Kings

GAME NOTES: GROUP A — Hong Kong Eastern (0-2) vs. San Miguel Beermen (0-2)

16 Dec

Hong Kong Eastern

San Miguel Beermen

GAME NOTES: GROUP B — Busan KCC Egis (0-3) vs. Meralco Bolts (2-1)

15 Dec

Busan KCC Egis

Meralco Bolts

Suwon KT signs Ismael Romero, replaces Jordan Morgan

13 Dec

Suwon KT Sonicboom

New Taipei Kings Get Their First EASL Win in Macau Classic

12 Dec

Macau Black Bears

New Taipei Kings

Taoyuan improves to 3-0, becomes third-ever EASL team to do so

11 Dec

Suwon KT Sonicboom

Taoyuan Pauian Pilots

MACAU CLASSIC GAME NOTES: GROUP B — Macau Black Bears (2-2) vs. New Taipei Kings (0-1)

10 Dec

Macau Black Bears

New Taipei Kings

MACAU CLASSIC GAME NOTES: GROUP A — Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (2-0) vs. Suwon KT Sonicboom (2-1)

9 Dec

Taoyuan Pauian Pilots

Suwon KT Sonicboom

Macau Black Bears Sign Adonis Thomas, Johnny Wang

5 Dec

Macau Black Bears

결과를 찾을 수 없음

검색을 지우고 다시 시도하세요.

The Latest Stats From the Game

통계 보기

Get Social

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get the latest

고맙습니다!제출이 접수되었습니다!
죄송합니다!뭔가 잘못됐어요.

Watch all the games Live & Free

지금 시청하기

제품 파트너

제품 파트너

제품 파트너