Boxing Legend Pacquiao Joins San Diego Expansion Team in New League

Pacquiao to serve as owner, ambassador, and active competitor for the San Diego TJ's franchise in the Team Boxing League.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has announced a new agreement with the Team Boxing League that will see him join the ownership group of the league's San Diego TJ's expansion franchise. Pacquiao is expected to serve as the team's captain and compete as an active fighter in future seasons under the league's unique team-based format.

Why it matters

Pacquiao's involvement in the Team Boxing League reflects the growing interest among elite athletes in innovative models for professional boxing. The San Diego market also presents an ideal opportunity for Pacquiao given the city's large Filipino-American population and existing support for the boxing legend.

The details

The Team Boxing League, which launched in 2023, features a team-based format with male and female competitors facing off in single three-minute rounds. Pacquiao, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025, will join the ownership group of the San Diego TJ's expansion franchise and is expected to compete as the team's captain in future seasons.

  • Pacquiao was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.
  • Pacquiao returned to boxing in 2025, fighting to a draw against WBC World Super Welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
  • The Team Boxing League was established in March 2023 and will begin its fourth season with 12 teams in 2027, the year Pacquiao is expected to join the San Diego franchise.

The players

Manny Pacquiao

An eight-division boxing champion and Hall of Famer who is returning to the sport as an owner, ambassador, and active competitor for the San Diego TJ's franchise in the Team Boxing League.

Mario Barrios

The current WBC World Super Welterweight champion who fought Pacquiao to a draw in 2025.

Team Boxing League

A new professional boxing league that features a team-based format with male and female competitors facing off in single three-minute rounds.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Pacquiao's promotions company that is partnering with the Team Boxing League on the San Diego franchise.

Todd Gloria

The first Filipino-American mayor of a major American city, San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement reflects Manny's interest in the evolution of team-based boxing and the innovative direction TBL is taking the sport.”

— Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions

What’s next

Pacquiao is expected to compete in at least two more championship-level fights before joining the San Diego TBL franchise, which is set to begin play in 2027 when he turns 50 years old.

The takeaway

Pacquiao's involvement in the Team Boxing League highlights the growing interest among elite athletes in innovative models for professional boxing, as the sport continues to evolve. The San Diego market also presents a unique opportunity for Pacquiao given the city's large Filipino-American population and existing support for the boxing legend.