AirAsia Philippine Patriots
The AirAsia Philippine Patriots (originally known as the Philippine Patriots) were a professional basketball team that played in the ASEAN Basketball League. It was the first team from the Philippines to play in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) and one of the teams that played in the inaugural season of the ABL. The team was co-owned by Michael "Mikee" Romero and businessman Antonio O. Cojuangco, Jr.
| AirAsia Philippine Patriots | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Leagues | ASEAN Basketball League | ||
| Founded | 2009 | ||
| Withdrew | 2012 | ||
| History | Philippine Patriots (2009–2010) AirAsia Philippine Patriots (2010–2012) | ||
| Arena | Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig (2009–2012) Filoil Flying V Arena, San Juan (2012) | ||
| Team colors | Red, Blue, Black and White | ||
| President | Mikee Romero Tony Boy Cojuangco | ||
| Head coach | Glenn Capacio | ||
| Championships | 1 (2009-10) | ||
| |||
The Patriots played their home games at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. During its first season, some games were held at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan. Both are located in Metro Manila.
The Patriots were the first ABL champions, winning the 2010 ABL Playoffs (playing as the Philippine Patriots). Shortly after, the "AirAsia" name was added to the team after Romero and Cojuangco became investors in Philippines AirAsia airline.
On July 30, 2012, Romero purchased the Powerade Tigers Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise to be rechristened as the GlobalPort Batang Pier. Romero opted to focus on his new PBA team and the Patriots did not return for the 2013 ABL season.