Background and founding The province of
Pangasinan has previously been involved in professional basketball in the country. For three seasons, the
Pangasinan Presidents in 1998 to 1999 season, and changed its club name to Pangasinan Waves in 1999 & 2002 season in the
Metropolitan Basketball Association. The province also hosted the
PBA All-Star Weekend in
2019, which was held at the Calasiao Sports Complex. The team was first announced on January 17, 2024, when
Alaminos mayor Bryan Celeste posted a tryout for the Pangasinan-based team. On February 7, 2024, the team formally signed as expansion team and was initially named the
Pangasinan Heat. They are one of two expansion teams admitted for the MPBL's
2024 season, the other being the
Abra Weavers. Jerson Cabiltes took on the role of head coach for their inaugural season coming off a two-year stint with the
Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards franchise. Cabiltes' presence also brought in players from the Rice Vanguards, such as Hesed Gabo and Michael Mabulac to go alongside ex-PBA cagers
Ed Daquioag and
Dennice Villamor.
First season Their first game was played on April 6, 2024, as part of the season's opening gameday. In their inaugural game, the Heatwaves lost at home in an expansion battle against the Abra Weavers. Their first franchise win came on April 17 against the
Bulacan Kuyas at Paco Arena while their first home win was achieved on April 27 against the
Marikina Shoemasters. == Team identity ==