March 19, 2026

EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

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EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

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Tyler Schiff

EASL Finals 2026 Press Conference Previews Semifinal Round as Asia's Elite Converge on Macau

Four EASL Finals semifinalists met with media in Macau on Thursday. Players, coaches league officials and more set the stage for Friday's semifinals.

The EASL Finals held its official press conference for its third postseason as representatives from all four semifinal teams gathered in Macau to speak to media, alongside EASL CEO Henry Kerins and Senior Vice President and General Manager at Studio City Macau, Kevin Benning.

Alvark Tokyo (B.LEAGUE), the Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE), Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+), and Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE) took to the podium ahead of the semifinal round, each expressing their appreciation for a competition that brings together the best from every market across the region — champions pitted against champions on a genuinely international stage.

"There's no need to talk about motivation (when it comes to the EASL Finals," star Alvark point guard Kai Toews said. "It's a big opportunity and we're ready to play." 

To open the press conference, media heard first from Kerins, who was emphatic about his enthusiasm for Macau as the home of the EASL Finals. Now in its second consecutive postseason in the city, the EASL's relationship with Macau runs deep — dating back to 2017 — when the league first brought its week-long tournaments here before evolving into the 36-game regular season format it runs today.  

"Macau has been part of our story from the very beginning," Kerins said. "What we're building here — bringing Asia's best teams together in one of the region's great cities — is exactly the kind of integrated sports experience that puts Macau on the map for the right reasons. We believe the best is still to come."

Benning echoed that sentiment on behalf of Studio City, welcoming Asia's premier basketball competition back within its walls for another postseason run.

"Hosting the EASL Finals for a second consecutive year reinforces our commitment to supporting the positioning of Macau SAR as a global hub for elite sports,” Benning said. "For us, this is about more than just hosting a tournament, it’s about bringing that 'Fun Never Ends' energy to life for fans across the region. We’ve created a world-class stage where elite athletics and the spirit of Macau converge, and we are ready for the world to see it.”

The EASL Finals has grown into one of the region's most significant sporting events, and Macau has been central to that story. By anchoring its postseason here for the second consecutive year, the league continues to draw fans and media from across the continent — bringing the kind of sports tourism that puts Macau on the map as a destination for elite Asian competition.

The semifinal round tips off on Friday, March 20 with the Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) taking on the Utsunomiya Brex (B.LEAGUE) at 18:00, followed by Alvark Tokyo (B.LEAGUE) facing the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+) at 20:30. Both games are held at the Studio City Event Center.

The two winners advance to the Finals, where the champion will take home $1.5 million USD from a prize pool that also includes $750,000 for the runner-up and $375,000 for third place.

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