THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) eyes an April 2021 start for its Season 46—either in the same bubble setup or back to the normal three-conference format depending upon the Covid-19 situation prevailing in the country at that time.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said he is hoping for the best especially on the availability of a vaccine against the virus and the country’s economic health.
But one thing for sure, Marcial said the league will play next year.
“We still don’t know yet that’s why we set the opening of Season 46 for April because of several factors like, No. 1 the economy, No. 2 what kind of bubble will we use—like the closed circuit setup—No. 3 the venue and No. 4 if there’s a vaccine already,” Marcial told BusinessMirror on Wednesday.
The league’s board of governors, according to Marcial, will hold an online meeting on Thursday starting at 3 p.m. to discuss the mechanics of next season, the 3×3 tournament and the rookie draft in March.
Marcial said that allowing fans in the game would still depend on health protocols.
“It is still depend on the situation and to the government [if the crowd will be allowed by that time],” said Marcial, adding the league is satisfied with how the Philippine Cup, the only conference staged for Season 45 has turned out.
Game Three of the Philippine Cup Finals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga was played on Wednesday night at the Angeles University Foundation.
“I am very happy because ever since in March, we were just hoping that our fellow Filipinos could watch PBA games—and now it’s happening. We are now near to end the season,” he said.
The PBA has 11 days left to end Season 45 inside the Clark bubble.
Marcial, meanwhile, praised the all-cadet Gilas Pilipinas team that beat Thailand twice in the International Basketball Federation Asian Qualifiers second window recently in a bubble setup at the Khalifa Sports City in Manama, Bahrain.