BEIRUT (Lebanon) – The FIBA Regional Office-Asia on Tuesday announced a revamped competition format for the rechristened BCL Asia-East involving leading club teams representing the National Federations coming under the SEABA and East Asia sub-zones of FIBA Asia.
Six champion clubs representing Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand and Chinese Taipei will be joined by the runners-up clubs from the Chinese Taipei and Mongolia national leagues in the eight-team fray that will see games being played over six windows with each club hosting one round in their country.
The clubs confirmed to participate are
Chinese Taipei: New Taipei Kings & Taoyuan Pauian Pilots
Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos & Bishrelt Metal
Indonesia: Pelita Jaya Basketball
Malaysia: NS Matrix Deers
Thailand: Hi-Tech Basketball Club
Singapore: Adroit Club
The eight teams will be drawn into two groups of four teams each for the Preliminary Round with the top two from each group making their way to the Final Four (semi-finals) to be played in one city. The top two teams from the Final Four of BCL Asia-East will book their tickets to BCL Asia.
“FIBA Regional Office – Asia has always been at the forefront of delivering the FIBA strategies in Asia. We are dedicated as well as duty-bound to deliver FIBA’s strategic pillars to the maximum extent,” said FIBA Executive Director-Asia referring to the emphasis on International Club Competitions being one of the FIBA Strategic Pillars for 2023-27.
“The region of East and South East Asia has been a traditional stronghold famous for its dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable fans,” he said.
“We do believe that this refurbished format will not only enhance the competitive intensity among the clubs, but also present them with ample promotional opportunities,” he added.
The draw for the Preliminary Round is scheduled for 9 am Beirut time on Jan 27.
FIBA