Walking into the Araneta Coliseum on game night still gives me chills, even after all these years covering Philippine basketball. There’s something electric about the roar of the crowd, the squeak of sneakers on hardwood, and that collective gasp when a three-pointer arcs perfectly through the net. Over my career, I’ve witnessed dynasties rise, legends retire, and rivalries that define generations. And if there’s one question I get asked more than any other—whether I’m talking to fellow journalists or fans at a sports bar—it’s this: which team truly stands as the winningest in PBA history? It’s not just about trophies; it’s about legacy, consistency, and a kind of basketball brilliance that becomes part of the country’s cultural fabric.
Now, if we’re talking raw numbers and historic dominance, you can’t look past the San Miguel Beermen. Let’s be clear—they’ve set a standard that feels almost untouchable. As of today, they hold a staggering 28 PBA championships. I remember being in the arena back in 2019 when they clinched their most recent title, the atmosphere was pure magic. But what’s fascinating isn’t just the number—it’s how they’ve maintained excellence across decades. From the days of Ramon Fernandez and Samboy Lim to June Mar Fajardo’s era, they’ve built teams that don’t just win; they captivate. I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that blend star power with system play, and San Miguel does that beautifully. They’re not just collecting titles; they’re crafting a narrative.
Of course, rival franchises have had their moments in the sun. Talk to any hardcore PBA historian, and they’ll bring up the Crispa Redmanizers. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have seen them play in their prime—the 1970s and 80s were a different beast. Crispa secured 13 championships, and back then, the league was smaller, fiercer. They played with a flair that’s still talked about in reverent tones. Then there’s the Alaska Aces, another powerhouse I’ve followed closely. With 14 titles, they’ve shown remarkable resilience, especially during the Tim Cone era. I’ll admit, I’ve always admired teams that rebuild smartly, and Alaska’s ability to stay competitive through roster changes is something I wish more clubs would emulate.
But here’s where it gets interesting for me—the conversation isn’t just about the past. The PBA is evolving, and leadership plays a huge role in that. I was struck by something outgoing PBA Chairman Erick Bachmann said recently: “I am excited to see the Philippines continue to achieve even greater milestones in the future. I wish my successor, Mr. John Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio, all the best in continuing the mission we all deeply believe in.” That mission, in my view, is about growing the sport while honoring its roots. As someone who’s seen leagues stagnate, I’m optimistic that under Gregorio, we’ll see innovations—maybe even new teams challenging San Miguel’s throne. Because let’s be real, dynasties are fun, but nothing beats a good underdog story.
Diving deeper into San Miguel’s success, it’s impossible to ignore June Mar Fajardo. The man’s a force of nature—I’ve watched him dominate the paint in ways that remind me why I fell in love with basketball. With six MVP awards and countless All-Star selections, he’s the cornerstone of their modern-era wins. But it’s not just him; players like Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot have brought that clutch gene when it matters most. I recall one finals game where Cabagnot hit a game-winning three with seconds left—the kind of moment that cements legacies. Stat-wise, San Miguel has made the finals 42 times in league history, which is just insane. That’s nearly double some of the mid-tier teams. In my opinion, their front office deserves a ton of credit for scouting and retention. They don’t just buy talent; they cultivate it.
On the flip side, I’ve noticed some fans argue that the league’s competitiveness has dipped because of San Miguel’s dominance. I get where they’re coming from—it can feel predictable at times. But having covered the PBA for over a decade, I think that undersells the drama. Teams like Barangay Ginebra, with their 15 championships, always bring a fight. Coach Tim Cone’s system is a thing of beauty, and seeing them clash with San Miguel is like watching chess with athletes. Personally, I lean towards appreciating greatness, even if it means one team leads the pack. It pushes others to innovate, and honestly, as a fan, I’d rather watch a legendary team than a league where everyone’s mediocre.
Looking ahead, the PBA’s landscape is shifting. With new talents emerging and potential rule changes, San Miguel’s record might face challenges. But for now, they’re the benchmark. In wrapping up, I’d say that while numbers tell part of the story—28 titles, multiple MVP awards, decades of relevance—what really makes San Miguel the winningest team is their intangible quality: they make basketball matter. Every game, every season, they give us something to talk about. And in the end, that’s what sports are all about—not just the wins, but the stories we share around them. So next time you’re debating PBA greatness over a beer, remember, it’s not just about who has the most trophies; it’s about who captures the imagination. And right now, that’s San Miguel, no question.
