PBA looks at June to open 46th season

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) meets online on Monday to tackle crucial issues foremost of them a potential June opening for the league’s 46th season.

Commissioner Willie Marcial told Business M irror on Sunday that the league is now looking at a June opening—still with a two-conference format—after the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ prevented them from an initial April 18 start.

“I think we can start by the first week of June depending on the situation and the result of our meeting,” said Marcial as he remained optimistic the PBA could hold an All-filipino and an import-laded second conference this year despite the rising Covid-19 cases.

The governors, Marcial added, will also discuss whether they will again go into a bubble or a closed-circuit environment (home-gymhome), as well as on the progress of the PBA’S intention to secure vaccines.

League chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT Tropang Giga will convene the online meeting at 1 p.m.

Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymond Yu said he doesn’t want to be pessimistic, but stressed he wanted to see his players to be back in action soon.

“We have an obligation to the fans and the country,” Yu said. “I don’t want to give a time line, but I want to see Season 46 to start as soon as possible because I am really excited.”

But Yu admmited that he doubts an import-laden conference could still be played this year.

Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales, also the league’s vice chairman, said the league should ideally start in May but not later than June.