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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Grand celebration to usher in PBA's golden season

Grand celebration to usher in PBA's golden season

Published Sep 12, 2025 03:06 pm

At A Glance

  • The PBA is welcoming its golden season in the grandest fashion possible with a meet-and-greet for the fans, a fellowship gathering, and a festive opening ceremony all lined up for the two-day weekend celebration on Oct. 4 and 5.
The PBA is welcoming its golden season in the grandest fashion possible with a meet-and-greet for the fans, a fellowship gathering, and a festive opening ceremony all lined up for the two-day weekend celebration on Oct. 4 and 5.
The opening weekend celebration that is ought to pay tribute to the past and celebrate the bright future ahead, is only the kickoff of the year-long celebration of the PBA for its 50th year, according to commissioner Willie Marcial.
"It's a year-long celebration with a theme 'Solid Ang Galing, Solid ang Laban.' But the main goal remains to entertain the fans with exciting games and make them happy," said Marcial.
A fans day that will feature a meet-and-greet as well as mini-concert is in store at the green gate of the Araneta Coliseum while a huge fellowship gathering is set for all the people who have become part of the league's five decade-long existence at the Meralco theater.
PBA legendary players, coaches and personalities are all invited in the event that is meant to look back to the league's journey from its humble beginning to how it is today.
"Imbitahan natin na makapunta ang lahat ng nakatulong na makarating sa 50th season ang PBA. Pakisabi sa lahat ng mga players at coaches na na-involve sa PBA na pumunta," added Marcial during the league annual planning in Las Vegas.
The annual Leo Awards will then kick off the festivities on Oct. 5 at the Novotel Hotel where the best players from Season 49, led by the Most Valuable Player and the Mythical Team members, will be awarded.
A game in the evening will then officially usher in the Philippine Cup, which will be followed by the Governors' and Commissioner's Cup.
Format is single round robin in the eliminations with the top four gaining twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals versus the next four. Both the semifinals and the finals will be best-of-seven affairs.
Aside from the regular games and the out-of-town games, a series of matches abroad is also set for the league's 50th year.
"We'll go around and bring the PBA closer to the fans," added Marcial as the league prepares for the scheduled games in New York, Bahrain and Dubai as part of the league's three-conference calendar.
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