Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala believes the league’s Uniform Players Contract should allow for more player rights in light of the controversy surrounding Kiefer Ravena’s bid to play for Japanese club Shiga Lakestars.
Doubling down on his tweet the other day that the “middle ground is to revise the UPC to reflect the changing times” and that “the PBA must adapt,” Eala offered some suggestions which could not only favor the league but also its players.
“I think it must be put in a proper context, first,” Eala said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk Friday, June 4. “I think the uniqueness of a pro league is based on a contract and that’s why any amateur league, any other leagues don’t need these contracts. But the uniqueness in the stability of the PBA is based on the UPC.
“Now, if it’s the intention of the PBA, eventually and I believe it is, to be less restrictive and rather inclusive, then I think the PBA must begin to review its policies, not only on the UPC but also its by-laws, perhaps to allow a shorter period in the contract.
“Remember, the UPC is 12 months. Teams are bound to pay its players for one year, compared to other leagues where sometimes their contracts are only during the duration of the season and during the offseason they are not paid. So, that’s why I said perhaps it is time and I believe it is because I believe that players should have that right to choose when they do not have a live contract. But professional players should be allowed to grow in a different environment,” added Eala.
Eala explained that allowing players to join other leagues during the offseason and putting a buyout clause in contracts are among the things that can be possibly entertained as long as it won't put the PBA in a slippery slope.
“I think that perhaps an insertion into the by-laws, to allow players to play elsewhere during the offseason is something that can be done,” he said. “Another one is perhaps a buyout clause that would compensate teams, but again put in a very strict context because you do not want this to become a dangerous precedence for the PBA where eventually there is an exodus because there is a price war.
“Now, of course again for me, the PBA must adapt because it must become more competitive. If it believes that it is the primary destination of professional basketball players, then it must show that it is. Plus, it must begin to open its doors also to Asian basketball players so that there can be more competition, more vibrant community in the PBA,” added Eala.
The PBA did implement a rule that allows teams to tap Asian players during the 2015 and 2016 Governors' Cup, but was eventually scrapped following a lukewarm response from league officials.
The PBA chief from 2003 to 2007 was reacting to the controversy surrounding Ravena's signing with the Lakestars for the 2021-22 B.League season despite having a live pact with the NLEX Road Warriors.
Current PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the move is prohibited under the UPC while his PBA ballclub said it is abiding by the league guidelines even though it supports Ravena's desire for “personal advancement.”