Manny Pacquiao Makes TBL San Diego Franchise Official

Boxing legend Pacquiao becomes owner and captain of new San Diego expansion team in Team Boxing League

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:27am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a boxing match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors like deep reds, electric blues, and bright yellows, capturing the raw energy and strategy of the sport.Manny Pacquiao's new ownership stake in the TBL San Diego franchise signals a shift in the boxing world, as the legendary fighter looks to build a global ecosystem for the sport.San Diego Today

Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division boxing champion, has officially become the owner and team captain of the new San Diego expansion franchise in the Team Boxing League (TBL). Pacquiao's promotional company, Manny Pacquiao Promotions, announced the long-term partnership with TBL, which represents a nine-figure commitment focused on the league's global growth prospects. Pacquiao, who is 47 years old, plans to compete as a fighter for the San Diego TJs team starting in 2027.

Why it matters

The addition of Pacquiao, one of the most iconic and successful boxers in history, is a major coup for the TBL as it continues to expand. Pacquiao's star power and commitment to mentoring the next generation of fighters aligns with TBL's mission to provide opportunities for both established and up-and-coming talent. The San Diego franchise also taps into the region's large Filipino-American population, making it an ideal location for Pacquiao's involvement.

The details

As part of the deal, Pacquiao's Manny Pacquiao Promotions will become a long-term stakeholder and franchise owner of the San Diego TJs team. Pacquiao, who is a Boxing Hall of Famer, will serve as the team's captain and compete as a fighter starting in 2027. The TBL format, which features three-minute rounds and a team-based scoring system, is well-suited for the 47-year-old Pacquiao to remain active in the sport without the full punishment of a traditional 12-round bout.

  • Pacquiao and Mayweather were reported to have a signed deal for a sanctioned rematch in September 2026, but Mayweather later claimed he understood the deal to be for an exhibition bout.
  • Pacquiao says the fight is a real fight, not an exhibition, and there is a deadline for Mayweather to respond and agree to the deal by the close of business on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Pacquiao officially announced his partnership with TBL and the San Diego franchise on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Manny Pacquiao

An eight-division Boxing Hall of Fame legend who has formally agreed to a long-term partnership with TBL as a stakeholder and franchise owner of the new San Diego TJs team. Pacquiao plans to compete as a fighter for the team starting in 2027.

Jas Mathur

The CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, who stated that this partnership represents a nine-figure platform play focused on ownership, participation, and long-term upside for Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather

Pacquiao's longtime rival and fellow Boxing Hall of Famer, who Pacquiao is still hoping to face in a sanctioned rematch despite Mayweather claiming the deal is for an exhibition bout.

Nahir Albright

A lightweight fighter who is a member of the Philadelphia Smoke TBL team and has used the league as a platform to earn opportunities on major boxing cards.

Todd Gloria

The mayor of San Diego, who is the first Filipino-American mayor of a major U.S. city, making San Diego an ideal location for Pacquiao's TBL franchise.

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What they’re saying

“This is not just about fighting anymore. This is a new chapter in my life. I have accomplished everything I wanted in boxing, and now I want to build something bigger than myself.”

— Manny Pacquiao, Boxer and TBL Franchise Owner

“This isn't just about Manny being an active fighter. This is the first step in Manny building an empire around boxing. This is a nine-figure platform play focused on ownership, participation, and long-term upside. We are shifting boxing from transactions to ownership and building a global ecosystem that will support fighters, teams, and partners for years to come.”

— Jas Mathur, CEO, Manny Pacquiao Promotions

“When I heard Mayweather say it was an exhibition, I called my team right away and asked, 'What's happening? What's wrong with this guy?' What we signed was a real fight, not an exhibition. I don't know where he got this idea from or where his head was at, but the fight is a real fight, and it absolutely won't be an exhibition.”

— Manny Pacquiao, Boxer

What’s next

There is reportedly a deadline for Mayweather to respond and agree to the deal for a sanctioned rematch with Pacquiao by the close of business on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Manny Pacquiao's entry into the TBL as a franchise owner and team captain represents a significant shift in the boxing landscape, as one of the sport's all-time greats looks to build a global ecosystem that supports fighters, teams, and partners for the long term. The San Diego franchise also taps into Pacquiao's Filipino-American fanbase, making it an ideal location for his involvement.