Legends eyed to lure fans back

Imagine Benjie Paras going oneon-one with Jerry Codinera. Or Johnny Abarrientos taking on Olsen Racela. Or Alvin Patrimonio vs Nelson Asaytono. Or Vergel Meneses against Kenneth Duremdes.

This idea was tossed around during yesterday’s meeting of the Philippine Basketball Association board of governors where members began the grim task of finding ways to stem the fall in earnings and attendance which hit the last PBA season, the first such decline after years of sustained growth.

The games pitting PBA legends in 1-on-1 or 3-on-3 matches will be held, if approved, as sidelight in the 41st season which kicks off on Oct. 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With these legends back in action, the PBA hopes their fans and followers will return in droves.

“For sure, hindi na maiinip ang mga fans and some could be lured back, especially those who want to see their former hardcourt heroes in action anew, kahit sandali lang,” said PBA chairman Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, referring to the back-tothe-future move the league wants to insert in between games on regular playdates.

“We have to continually assess, evaluate and adjust,” said PBA president and CEO Chito Salud. “That is why the board has instructed us to be on the lookout for innovations and solutions to the problems that may arise.”

The PBA experienced a seven percent drop (equivalent to P18 million) in revenues last season, halting a steady rise in gross earnings since the 2010-11 season that culminated in a P248 million take in 2013-14.

Unanimously, the board cancelled Tuesday games, reverting to the Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays playdates.