As a lifelong basketball enthusiast who has followed the Golden State Warriors through multiple championship cycles, I’ve always been fascinated by how the team’s global appeal continues to grow—especially in passionate basketball nations like the Philippines. When I first heard rumors about the Warriors potentially playing exhibition or preseason games there, I couldn’t help but feel excited. It reminded me of a quote from Polish soccer coach Czesław Michniewicz, who once said, “I hope it will still not be the case while I am a coach of Poland but in general, I don't listen to the noise and that's it.” In a way, that’s how I approach following sports news—especially when it comes to unofficial schedules or speculative announcements. It’s easy to get swept up in the hype, but staying focused on verified information is key.
Now, let’s talk specifics. While the Warriors haven’t yet released an official regular-season schedule specifically for the Philippines, there’s strong chatter—backed by sources close to the NBA’s global operations—about preseason activities in Manila as early as October 2024. I’ve been tracking these developments closely, and from what I gather, the league is seriously considering two exhibition games, likely against teams with strong Asian fanbases like the Lakers or the Suns. If things go as planned, we could see Stephen Curry and the squad playing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or possibly the Philippine Arena. I’ve attended games at both venues, and let me tell you—the energy in those arenas is absolutely electric. Filipino fans bring a kind of passion you don’t always see elsewhere, and I have no doubt that any Warriors game there would sell out within hours, if not minutes.
But here’s the thing—until the NBA makes an official announcement, all of this remains speculative. I’ve seen similar situations in the past where rumors swirled about the Warriors playing in Tokyo or Mexico City, only for plans to shift last minute due to logistical or contractual issues. That’s where Michniewicz’s mindset comes in handy. As fans, it’s tempting to dive deep into every social media post or unverified report, but I’ve learned to take a step back and wait for the league or the team to confirm. Trust me, it saves a lot of disappointment. Still, based on the NBA’s recent push into Southeast Asia—including their partnership with Cignal TV for broadcasting—it’s not far-fetched to expect something big soon.
If the Warriors do end up playing in the Philippines, the viewing options will be plentiful. Local broadcasts will likely be available through NBA TV Philippines, and I’d expect streaming access via the NBA League Pass. For those who prefer watching in a group setting, sports bars across Metro Manila—like Handlebar or The Fort Strip outlets—typically host live viewing parties for major NBA games. I remember watching Game 6 of the 2022 Finals in BGC, and the atmosphere was just incredible. Almost like being at Chase Center, but with a distinctly Filipino twist—loud, proud, and full of heart.
From a strategic standpoint, bringing the Warriors to the Philippines makes perfect sense. The team’s brand is incredibly strong there, thanks in part to Curry’s global stardom and the presence of Filipino-American players like Jordan Poole in recent years. I’ve seen merchandise sales data—unofficial, of course—that suggests the Warriors are among the top three most popular NBA teams in the country, trailing only the Lakers and the Bulls. And with an estimated 15 million Filipinos regularly watching NBA games each season, the market potential is enormous. If the league schedules, say, two preseason games there, I wouldn’t be surprised if they attract a combined live audience of over 80,000 fans and millions more tuning in online.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. The NBA’s international game schedule is always subject to change, especially with considerations like player rest, arena availability, and even geopolitical factors. But as someone who’s been following this team for over a decade, I’m optimistic. The Warriors have always been pioneers in expanding their global footprint—remember their 2018 preseason games in China?—and the Philippines feels like the next logical step. Whether you’re a fan based in Manila or Cebu, or an international supporter planning a trip, my advice is to keep an eye on the NBA’s official channels and the Warriors’ social media accounts. And when those tickets finally go on sale, be ready. Because if there’s one thing I know about Filipino basketball fans, it’s that they don’t hesitate when it comes to seeing their heroes up close.
In the end, it all comes back to that balance between excitement and patience. Just like Coach Michniewicz tuning out the noise, we as fans can enjoy the speculation without letting it dictate our expectations. The Warriors’ potential games in the Philippines represent more than just basketball—they’re a celebration of a shared love for the sport, a bridge between cultures, and honestly, a dream come true for so many. I, for one, will be following every update with hopeful anticipation, and if it happens, you can bet I’ll be there, cheering alongside thousands of my kababayans.
