The PBA believes it can revert back to a traditional three-conference format if plans for the 46th season push through in April.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said after Thursday’s virtual meeting with members of the Board of Governors that plenty of factors will have to play out before determining the length of the 2021 season.
That is why he has asked members of the board to take a wait and see approach, just like several months ago when the league eventually decided to stage the ongoing bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
There’s also the FIBA Asia Cup and possible international windows that may force the league to stretch its calendar in the event it decides to have the centerpiece Philippine Cup and the import-laden Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup.
“Meron na kaming exact date, pero depende pa dun sa vaccine, sa anong klaseng bubble, ekonomiya, venue. So sabi ko kung pwedeng tignan natin by February kung ano ang sitwasyon,” said Marcial.
“Sukat naman tayo hanggang three conferences, pero matatapos na ng January. At wala pa ang FIBA dun kasi kahit ang FIBA, di din nila alam ang schedule nila so di pa natin mapagaralan,” Marcial added.
The league cut short its 45th season to only the Philippine Cup after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a suspension of games for seven months.
Games resumed in October inside the Smart Clark Giga City bubble and the season is now reaching its end with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT contesting the Philippine Cup crown.