The Philippine Basketball Association opened its 50th season with a weekend packed with fan activities, tributes to legends, major awards, and a Manila Clasico rivalry clash.
NBA legend Gary Payton visited Manila for a Daily Fantasy basketball panel, where he spoke out against the four-point line and reflected on iconic moments from his career, including a rookie-year encounter with Michael Jordan.
![RJ Abarrientos plays through illness to contribute key baskets for Ginebra. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES728-400x200.jpg)
Barangay Ginebra came out firing to dismantle TNT, 92-77, and secure its first win of the PBA Philippine Cup season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
![Chris Newsome leads the Meralco Bolts' charge with a 22-point performance in the PBA Philippine Cup. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES1130-400x200.jpg)
Chris Newsome delivered in the clutch as Meralco overcame Blackwater’s furious rally to secure its first victory of the PBA Philippine Cup season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
![Ricci Rivero powers Phoenix past San Miguel with a big second-half performance in the PBA Philippine Cup. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES1730-400x200.jpg)
Phoenix pulled off a stunning 109-103 upset of San Miguel Beer to notch its first win of the season in the PBA Philippine Cup, capping a night of shockers highlighted by Terrafirma’s drought-breaking victory.
![John Bravo powers Terrafirma with 18 points and eight boards in a breakthrough win in the PBA Philippine Cup. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES341-400x200.jpg)
Terrafirma leaned on rookie John Bravo and a young core to stun NLEX, 97-91, and snap a lengthy losing streak in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
![Caelan Tiongson sparks a late rally as Rain or Shine escapes Meralco in a nail-biter. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES1322-400x200.jpg)
Rain or Shine pulled off a gritty overtime comeback to stun Meralco, 96-95, in its PBA Philippine Cup season opener, overcoming a late collapse to secure a dramatic win in Antipolo.
![Juan Gomez de Liano drives to the basket during his historic PBA debut for Converge. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES340-400x200.jpg)
Juan Gomez de Liano made history with a triple-double in his first PBA game as Converge crushed Titan Ultra, 129-92, to open its PBA Philippine Cup campaign at Ynares Center in Montalban.
![Rey Nambatac attacks the basket on his return as TNT beats Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES144-400x200.jpg)
Rey Nambatac erupted for 22 points to power TNT past Phoenix in their opening game of the PBA Philippine Cup, marking a triumphant return to action.
![Christian David attacks the Terrafirma defense during Blackwater’s PBA Philippine Cup debut. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBA-IMAGES234-400x200.jpg)
Christian David and RK Ilagan joined forces to lead Blackwater to a 107-87 win over Terrafirma in their PBA Philippine Cup debut at the Ynares Center in Montalban.