The Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) was formed by Filipino lawyer Paul Elauria who also became the league's first commissioner.

[2] It was formed as a means of livelihood for Filipino chess players, since not all are part of the Philippine national team.

[3] The league was recognized by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), a government body which regulates professional sports in the Philippines, in September 2020.

[5] For the inaugural season slated to start early 2021, 24 teams will participate in the league.

The participating teams will be divided into two geographic conferences or groups, North and South with teams initially playing other sides within their respective groups before playing against each other in inter-league matches in the elimination round.