Batang PBA Middle East 2026: Biggest Filipino Youth Basketball Event in the Gulf Tips Off in Qatar

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to make history as it brings its official youth league to the Middle East for the first time.

Batang PBA Middle East 2026, the largest Filipino youth basketball event in the region, will tip off in Doha, Qatar from February 6 to 8, featuring over 30 teams from 6 GCC countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait.

This landmark 3-day tournament will turn Qatar into a hub for youth basketball, cultural pride, and elite competition, uniting Filipino youth athletes from across the Gulf on one stage.

A Movement Beyond the Court

More than a tournament, Batang PBA Middle East is a youth empowerment initiative.

With structured coaching, professional standards, and exposure to elite basketball culture, it seeks to develop discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among young Filipino athletes abroad.

The program has received strong support from the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), including Secretary-General and National Teams Director Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, and is endorsed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the official governing body of basketball in the Philippines.

Full-Court Support Across the GCC

The Batang PBA Middle East event in Qatar is supported by DT ProduQtions in partnership with 1507 Media as the Official Media & Full Production Partner, Ali Koteish - Founder of Cedars Sports Academy, and Najeh Sportswear Qatar as the Official Uniform Partner.

Sponsors include Broaster (League Sponsor), Deqada Restaurant (Platinum Sponsor), and Filipino Hot Pack, Chibugan, and Mireya’s Kusina (Silver Sponsors).

Media partners are Marhaba Information Guide Qatar, Qatar Tribune, Qabayan Radio 94.3, and The Filipino Correspondent News Network.

Additional support is provided by Honda Qatar and National Cruise.

Champions Class for Coaches & Referee Development

The tournament will feature a Champions Class for Coaches, led by top Philippine basketball figures including LA Tenorio, Head Coach of Batang Gilas and Magnolia Hotshots; Johnny “The Flying A” Abarrientos, PBA legend and former MVP; and Richard Del Rosario, Deputy Head Coach of Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra.

The program also offers referees and technical officials the chance to gain high-level exposure, with tryouts taking place at ACS Doha International School from February 2 to 5.

This sporting spectacle is organized by Coach Richard Del Rosario, Coach Mikey Calungcaguin, and Sarah Calungcaguin, with Coach Mike Aliparo serving as coordinator, Nanki Angeles, and Joey Calungcaguin, a retired PBA referee, as technical head.

Golden Year for the PBA

Batang PBA Middle East 2026 coincides with the PBA’s 50th Anniversary, highlighting the league’s commitment to advancing Filipino youth basketball globally and nurturing the next generation of champions.

Registration Now Open

Youth teams, coaches, and officials across the Gulf are invited to be part of this historic event.

For registration and inquiries, contact:+974 30300538 (Qatar)|+966 570080892 (Saudi Arabia)