Manny Pacquiao has officially finalized his ownership stake in the Team Boxing League, signing a deal that makes him and Manny Pacquiao Promotions part of the ownership group for the San Diego TJ’s franchise.
The announcement, made on April 13, formalizes a relationship first revealed in February when Pacquiao was named TBL’s league ambassador for the 2026 season. That initial agreement outlined a phased entry: ambassador role in 2026, followed by ownership and active competition beginning in 2027.
The partnership is described as a nine-figure commitment focused on long-term growth and global expansion of the league’s team-based model.
“This is not just about fighting anymore,” Pacquiao said. “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.”
What Is Team Boxing League?
TBL operates 12 city-based franchises across major U.S. markets. The format features male and female boxers competing in single-round bouts across multiple weight classes, with results tallied on a team scoring system. State-licensed judges score each round, and the cumulative totals determine the winning team.
The league launched in 2023 and opened its 2026 season (Season 4) in March. The San Diego TJ’s are an expansion franchise that will begin competition in 2027 as part of a broader global expansion.
For Pacquiao, 47, the format offers a path to stay active without enduring traditional 12-round fights. He plans to serve as the team’s captain and compete as a fighter through at least 2029, with a stated goal of boxing until he turns 50.
Pacquiao’s Role Beyond the Ring
Through Manny Pacquiao Promotions, Pacquiao will also help expand TBL internationally, using his global reach to attract new audiences and partnerships across sports, media, and entertainment.
“This isn’t just Manny coming back to fight, this is Manny building an empire around boxing,” said Jas Mathur, CEO of Manny Pacquiao Promotions.
TBL CEO Kevin Cassidy framed the signing as validation of the league’s model. “Bringing in a global icon like Manny Pacquiao as an owner validates our vision of transforming boxing into a true league model,” Cassidy said.
The announcement comes at a busy time for Pacquiao, who is also pushing for his September rematch with Floyd Mayweather to be sanctioned as a professional bout. That fight, set for the Sphere in Las Vegas, has been the subject of back-and-forth between the two camps over whether it will be an exhibition or a sanctioned contest.
San Diego’s large Filipino-American population makes the franchise a natural fit for Pacquiao. The city is home to over 200,000 residents of Filipino heritage, and Mayor Todd Gloria is the first Filipino-American mayor of a major U.S. city.
