North Division (MPBL)

Division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

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|

North DivisionLeague| Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

|

Sport| Basketball
Founded| 2018
No. of teams| 15
Most recent
champion(s)| Pampanga Giant Lanterns
(2nd title)
Most titles| Pampanga Giant Lanterns
San Juan Knights
(2 titles each)

The North Division is one of two divisions in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), the other being the South Division. Both divisions were formed as a result of the league's national expansion in the 2018–19 season.[1] As of 2025, both divisions consist of 15 teams each.

The most recent realignment occurred in the 2025 season. The expansion Ilagan Isabela Cowboys were placed in the North Division alongside the returning Pasig City MPBL team. The Rizal Golden Coolers were realigned to the South Division to balance both divisions.[2]

## 2025 standings

[edit]

Pos | Team

* v
* t
* e

| Pld | W | L | GB

|
|
|
|
|

1  | x - Abra Solid North Weavers | 23  | 22  | 1  | --
2  | q - Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | 22  | 21  | 1  | 0.5
3  | q - San Juan Knights | 23  | 21  | 2  | 1
4  | q - Caloocan Batang Kankaloo | 23  | 16[a] | 7  | 6
5  | q - Pampanga Giant Lanterns | 23  | 16[a] | 7  | 6
6  | q - Pasay Voyagers | 24  | 16  | 8  | 6.5
|  |  |  |  |
7  | q - Pangasinan Heatwaves | 22  | 15  | 7  | 6.5
8  | Ilagan Isabela Cowboys | 23  | 12  | 11  | 10
9  | e - Bataan Risers | 23  | 9  | 14  | 13
10  | e - Pasig City | 22  | 8  | 14  | 13.5
|  |  |  |  |
11  | e - Quezon City Galeries Taipan | 23  | 6  | 17  | 16
12  | e - Val City Magic | 23  | 5  | 18  | 17
13  | e - Marikina Shoemasters | 23  | 4  | 19  | 18
14  | e - Bulacan Kuyas | 23  | 3  | 20  | 19
15  | e - Manila Batang Quiapo | 22  | 2  | 20  | 19.5

Updated to match(es) played on August 16, 2025. Source: Standings
Rules for classification: 1) Wins; 2a) If two teams are tied, head-to-head match-up; 2b) If three or more teams are tied, head-to-head point quotient; 3) overall point quotient; 4) coin toss.
e - Eliminated from direct playoff qualification; can still clinch play-in berth; q - Qualified for postseason; can clinch direct playoff berth; x - Clinched direct playoff berth
Notes:

1. ^ a b Caloocan wins tiebreaker over Pampanga based on head-to-head match-up.

## Teams

[edit]

### Current

[edit]

Team  | Location  | Years in division

|
|

Abra Solid North Weavers | Bangued, Abra | 2024–present
Bataan Risers | Balanga, Bataan

* * *

Orion, Bataan | 2018–present
Bulacan Kuyas | Baliwag, Bulacan | 2018–2020; 2023–present
Caloocan Batang Kankaloo | Caloocan | 2018–present
Ilagan Isabela Cowboys | Ilagan, Isabela | 2025–present
Manila Batang Quiapo | Manila | 2018–present
Marikina Shoemasters | Marikina | 2019–present
Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards | Palayan, Nueva Ecija | 2019–present
Pampanga Giant Lanterns | San Fernando, Pampanga | 2018–present
Pangasinan Heatwaves | Calasiao, Pangasinan

* * *

Rosales, Pangasinan | 2024–present
Pasay Voyagers | Pasay | 2018–2020; 2023–present
Pasig City MPBL team | Pasig | 2018–2023; 2025–present
Quezon City Galeries Taipan | Quezon City | 2018–present
San Juan Knights | San Juan | 2018–present
Val City Magic | Valenzuela | 2018–present

### Former

[edit]

Team  | Location  | Years in division  | Current division

|
|
|

Makati OKBet Kings | Makati | 2018–2023 | Inactive
Mandaluyong El Tigre | Mandaluyong | 2018–2019 | Inactive
Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines | Navotas | 2018–2020 | Inactive
Parañaque Patriots | Parañaque | 2019–2020; 2023 | South Division
Rizal Golden Coolers | Antipolo, Rizal | 2019–2020; 2023–2024 | South Division
Tarlac United Force | Tarlac City, Tarlac | 2024[a] | Inactive

Notes

1. ^ The Tarlac United Force withdrew before their first game of the 2024 season due to not being able to fulfill the league's financial obligations to join the following season.

### Timeline

[edit]

| Denotes team that is currently in the division

|

| Denotes team that has left the division
| Denotes period in which the team is/was in the opposing division

## North Division finals history

[edit]

Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of times that team has appeared in the North Division finals, as well as each respective teams' North Division finals record up to date.

| Won MPBL finals

|

Season  | Champion  | Series  | Runner-up

|
|
|

2018–19
Datu Cup | San Juan
(1, 1–0) | 2–1  | Manila
(1, 0–1)
2019–20
Lakan Season | San Juan
(2, 2–0) | 2–1  | Makati
(1, 0–1)
2022 | Nueva Ecija
(1, 1–0) | 2–1  | San Juan
(3, 2–1)
2023 | Pampanga
(1, 1–0) | 2–0  | San Juan
(4, 2–2)
2024 | Pampanga
(2, 2–0) | 2–0  | San Juan
(5, 2–3)

## Season results

[edit]

Legend

| Won MPBL finals
| Won division finals, but lost the MPBL finals
| Qualified for the playoffs
Season  | Team

|

1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th

* 2018: The North Division was formed with thirteen member teams.

2018–19
Datu Cup | BAN
(23–2)  | MKT
(21–4)  | SJ
(20–5)  | MNL
(20–5)  | BUL
(14–11)  | NAV
(13–12)  | QC
(12–13)  | CAL
(11–14)  | PAM
(11–14)  | VAL
(10–15)  | MDL
(8–17)  | PSY
(8–17)  | PSG
(4–21)  | —  | —  | —

* 2019: Expansion side Nueva Ecija was placed in the North Division while Mandaluyong departed from the league. Marikina, Parañaque, and Rizal joined from the South Division.

2019–20
Lakan Season | SJ
(26–4)  | MNL
(25–5)  | MKT
(22–8)  | PAM
(21–9)  | BAN
(20–10)  | BUL
(19–11)  | PSG
(18–12)  | PSY
(17–13)  | CAL
(16–14)  | VAL
(11–19)  | NE
(10–20)  | QC
(10–20)  | MAR
(8–22)  | PAR
(8–22)  | NAV
(7–22)  | RZL
(6–23)

* 2022: Bulacan, Navotas, Parañaque, and Pasay departed from the league. Rizal was realigned back to the South Division.

2022 | NE
(21–0)  | PSG
(14–7)  | SJ
(14–7)  | PAM
(14–7)  | BAN
(13–8)  | VAL
(10–11)  | QC
(9–12)  | MAR
(8–13)  | CAL
(6–15)  | MNL
(6–15)  | MKT
(2–19)  | —  | —  | —  | —  | —

* 2023: Returning sides Bulacan, Parañaque, and Pasay were placed in the North Division. Rizal rejoined from the South Division.[3]

2023 | PAM
(26–2)  | NE
(23–5)  | MKT
(21–7)  | CAL
(20–8)  | PSG
(19–9)  | SJ
(19–9)  | PSY
(17–11)  | MAR
(16–12)  | BAN
(13–15)  | RZL
(12–16)  | PAR
(11–17)  | BUL
(7–21)  | MNL
(4–23)  | QC
(3–25)  | VAL
(3–25)  | —

* 2024: Expansion sides Abra, Pangasinan, and Tarlac were placed in the North Division while Makati and Pasig departed from the league. Parañaque was realigned back to the South Division. Tarlac was pulled out before playing their first game of the season.

2024 | SJ
(26–2)  | PAM
(26–2)  | NE
(24–4)  | MNL
(20–8)  | CAL
(19–9)  | PSY
(18–10)  | ABR
(18–10)  | RZL
(15–13)  | QC
(15–13)  | VAL
(14–14)  | PGS
(12–16)  | BAN
(9–19)  | MAR
(7–21)  | BUL
(2–26)  | TAR
(WD)  | —

* 2025: Expansion side Ilagan Isabela was placed in the North Division alongside returning side Pasig. Rizal was realigned back once again to the South Division. [2]

## Rivalries

[edit]

### Nueva Ecija vs. Pampanga

[edit]

Main article: Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards–Pampanga Giant Lanterns rivalry

### Nueva Ecija vs. San Juan

[edit]

Main article: Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards–San Juan Knights rivalry

### Pampanga vs. San Juan

[edit]

Main article: Pampanga Giant Lanterns–San Juan Knights rivalry

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Henson, Joaquin M. "Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League opens next joust June 12". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
2. ^ a b "Louie Gonzalez finds new home as Ilagan Isabela Cowboys join MPBL". Tiebreaker Times. February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
3. ^ "P3M at stake in MPBL preseason joust". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 20, 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

2025 MPBL season

North Division|

Abra Solid North Weavers
Bataan Risers
Bulacan Kuyas
Caloocan Batang Kankaloo
Ilagan Isabela Cowboys
Manila Batang Quiapo
Marikina Shoemasters
Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards
Pampanga Giant Lanterns
Pangasinan Heatwaves
Pasay Voyagers
Pasig City
Quezon City Galeries Taipan
San Juan Knights
Val City Magic

South Division|

Bacolod Tubo Slashers
Basilan Starhorse
Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters
Biñan Tatak Gel
Cebu Greats
Davao Occidental Tigers
GenSan Warriors
Imus Braderhood
Mindoro Tamaraws
Muntinlupa Cagers
Parañaque Patriots
Quezon Huskers
Rizal Golden Coolers
Sarangani Gripper Motorcycle Tire
Zamboanga Sikat

History|

* Timeline
* Seasons
* Records
* win–loss records

Annual events|

* Invitational
* All-Star Game
* Finals
* Champions

Awards|

* MVP
* Finals MVP
* All-Star MVP

Others|

* Rivalries
* Venues
* Women's MPBL

* Category

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

Abra Solid North Weavers

* Founded in 2024
* Formerly the Abra Weavers
* Based in Bangued, Abra

Seasons|

* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium (UAbra)

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2024–present)

* v
* t
* e

Bataan Risers

* Founded in 2018
* Formerly the Bataan Defenders
* Based in Balanga and Orion, Bataan

Seasons|

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Bataan People's Center
* Orion Sports Complex

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)

* v
* t
* e

Bulacan Kuyas

* Founded in 2017
* Based in Baliwag, Bulacan

Seasons|

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Baliwag Star Arena
* Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium
* Malolos Sports and Convention Center

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–2020, 2023–present)

* v
* t
* e

Caloocan Batang Kankaloo

* Founded in 2017
* Formerly the Caloocan Supremos, Caloocan Excellence and Batang Kankaloo Koolers
* Based in Caloocan

Seasons|

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Caloocan Sports Complex

Championships
(1)|

* 2025 (PSL)

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)
* PSL (2022–present)

Related|

* Caloocan AM Spikers

* v
* t
* e

Ilagan Isabela Cowboys

* Founded in 2025
* Based in Ilagan, Isabela

Seasons|

* 2025

Venues|

* Capital Arena

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2025–present)

* v
* t
* e

Manila Batang Quiapo

* Founded in 2018
* Formerly the Manila Stars, Manila CityStars, and Manila SV Batang Sampaloc
* Based in Quiapo, Manila

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Ninoy Aquino Stadium
* Paco Arena
* Rizal Memorial Coliseum
* San Andres Sports Complex

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)
* PSL (2022–2024)

* v
* t
* e

Marikina Shoemasters

* Founded in 2018
* Formerly Marikina Shoe City and Marikina Verdiamonds Jewellers
* Based in Marikina

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Marikina Sports Center

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)

Related|

* Marikina Lady Shoemasters

* v
* t
* e

Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards

* Founded in 2019
* Formerly the Nueva Ecija MiGuard, Nueva Ecija ForestLake, and Nueva Ecija Capitals
* Based in Palayan, Nueva Ecija

Seasons|

* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Nueva Ecija Coliseum

Championships
(2)|

* 2022
* FilBasket (Summer)
* MPBL

Runner-up finishes
(1)|

* 2024 (PSL)

Rivalries|

* Pampanga
* San Juan

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2019–present)
* FilBasket (2022)
* PSL (2023–2024)

* v
* t
* e

Pampanga Giant Lanterns

* Founded in 2018
* Formerly the Pampanga Lanterns and Pampanga G Lanterns
* Based in San Fernando, Pampanga

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* AUF Sports and Cultural Center
* Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center

Championships
(3)|

* 2023
* PSL
* MPBL
* 2024 (MPBL)

Rivalries|

* Nueva Ecija
* San Juan

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)
* PSL (2022–2023)

* v
* t
* e

Pangasinan Heatwaves

* Founded in 2024
* Formerly the Pangasinan Abono Reapers
* Based in Calasiao and Rosales, Pangasinan

Seasons|

* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Calasiao Sports Complex
* Robert B. Estrella Sr. Memorial Stadium

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2024–present)
* PSL (2024–present)

* v
* t
* e

Pasay Voyagers

* Founded in 2018
* Based in Pasay

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Cuneta Astrodome

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–2020, 2023–present)

* v
* t
* e

Pasig City

* Founded in 1998 (first incarnation) and 2018 (second incarnation)
* Formerly the Pasig Blue Pirates, Pasig-Rizal Pirates, Pasig Pirates, Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, and Pasig City MCW Sports
* Based in Pasig

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2025

Venues|

* Pasig Sports Center
* Ynares Sports Arena

League affiliations|

* MBA (1998–2000)
* MPBL (2018–2023, 2025–present)
* FilBasket (2021–2022)

* v
* t
* e

Quezon City Galeries Taipan

* Founded in 2018
* Formerly the Quezon City Capitals, Quezon City MG, Quezon City Gaz N Go, and Quezon City Toda Aksyon
* Based in Quezon City

Seasons|

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Amoranto Arena
* Blue Eagle Gym
* Henry Noble Gymnasium (TUA)
* JCSGO Seed Dome

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)

* v
* t
* e

San Juan Knights

* Founded in 1999 (first incarnation) and 2018 (second incarnation)
* Formerly the San Juan Kings
* Based in San Juan

Seasons|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Playtime Filoil Centre
* San Juan Gym

Championships
(2)|

* 2000 (MBA)
* 2019 (MPBL)

Runner-up finishes
(4)|

* 2021
* MPBL
* FilBasket
* 2022 (FilBasket – Summer)
* 2025 (PSL)

Rivalries|

* Davao Occidental
* Nueva Ecija
* Pampanga

League affiliations|

* MBA (1999–2001)
* MPBL (2018–present)
* FilBasket (2021–2022)
* PSL (2022–present)

Related|

* San Juan Lady Knights volleyball

* v
* t
* e

Val City Magic

* Founded in 2017
* Formerly the Valenzuela Classic, Valenzuela Idol Cheesedogs, Val City Carga Backload Solution, Valenzuela MJAS Zenith, and Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc.
* Based in Valenzuela

Seasons|

* 2018
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2022
* 2023
* 2024
* 2025

Venues|

* Bahayang Pag-asa Sports Complex
* Valenzuela Astrodome
* WES Arena

League affiliations|

* MPBL (2018–present)

*[Pos]: Position
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[Pld]: Played
*[W]: Won
*[L]: Lost
*[GB]: Games behind