Manny Pacquiao Joins San Diego Team Boxing League

Boxing legend Pacquiao to compete and own stake in new team-based boxing league

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Eight-division Boxing Hall of Fame legend Manny Pacquiao has announced a new agreement with Team Boxing League (TBL) to join the ownership group of the league's new San Diego expansion franchise. Pacquiao, who retired from boxing in 2022 but returned to the ring in 2025, will compete as the team captain and is expected to fight in future TBL seasons under the league's unique team format.

Why it matters

Pacquiao's involvement in the fledgling TBL league reflects growing interest among elite athletes and operators in innovative competitive models in professional boxing. The team format and shorter rounds allow aging champions like Pacquiao to remain active without the full physical toll of traditional 12-round fights. San Diego's large Filipino population also makes it an ideal market for Pacquiao's participation.

The details

Under the new agreement, Manny Pacquiao Promotions will join the ownership group of the new San Diego TBL franchise starting in 2027. Pacquiao, now 47 years old, is expected to compete as the team's captain and fight in future TBL seasons. The league features a team format with male and female competitors facing opponents in their weight classes, with 24 three-minute rounds per match.

  • Pacquiao retired from boxing in 2022 and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025.
  • In July 2025, Pacquiao returned to the ring, fighting to a draw against WBC World Super Welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
  • Pacquiao is anticipated to continue his career with at least two more championship-level fights, then compete as part of the new San Diego TBL franchise until he turns 50 years old.

The players

Manny Pacquiao

An eight-division Boxing Hall of Fame legend who is returning to active competition after retiring in 2022.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Pacquiao's promotions company that is joining the ownership group of the new San Diego TBL franchise.

Team Boxing League (TBL)

A new team-based boxing league that is entering its third season and expanding to 12 teams, including a new San Diego franchise.

Mario Barrios

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

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 (yardbarker.com)

“We view this as a meaningful step forward and look forward to expanding on this relationship as additional details are finalized.”

— Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Pacquiao is expected to join the new San Diego TBL franchise as its captain and compete in future seasons under the league's team format.

The takeaway

Pacquiao's involvement in the innovative Team Boxing League reflects growing interest among elite athletes in new competitive models that can extend the careers of aging champions. The team format and shorter rounds allow Pacquiao to remain active without the full physical toll of traditional 12-round fights, while also tapping into the large Filipino population in San Diego.