Sports NEWS

The PBA could once again play without fans if plans to start the season-ending Governors’ Cup in December pushes through.

The PBA is anticipating a setup similar to the ones being implemented in movie theaters in the event the Inter-Agency Task Force allows the league to welcome back fans in the season-ending Governors’ Cup.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said logistical concerns and the health of everyone involved prompted the league to back out of its plan of holding the Philippine Cup Finals in Metro Manila.

PBA teams are set to depart for Pampanga Monday, Aug. 23 to begin preparations for the restart of the Philippine Cup in the province.

The PBA reached a verbal agreement with the Provincial Government of Pampanga to hold the resumption of the Philippine Cup which was put on hold a couple of weeks ago to Enhanced Community Quarantine regulations in Metro Manila.

Due to the rising COVID-19 Delta variant infections in the country, the PBA has decided to temporarily suspend the 2021 Philippine Cup starting on Wednesday, August 4. 

The PBA has implemented new policies on free agency and rookie eligibility in the light of several issues such as those involving brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks Jr.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial apologized Sunday, July 18 for the confusion surrounding the telecast schedule of the Philippine Cup doubleheader the other day that left fans upset.

Gilas Pilipinas could take part in the second conference of the PBA’s 46th season depending on discussions between the league and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial declined to entertain questions regarding other issues affecting the league, particularly the issue surrounding Kiefer Ravena’s signing with the Japanese club Shiga Lakestars.

The PBA was finally given the go-signal by the Inter-Agency Task Force to begin its 46th season on July 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City after months of delays due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation.

The question as to when the PBA’s 46th season will start now lies on the Inter-Agency Task Force after the league presented its case on Wednesday, July 7.

PBA teams will continue to practice outside of Metro Manila and provinces under NCR Plus after the government extended the stricter version of General Community Quarantine regulations in the said areas until July 15.

Kiefer Ravena thanked the management of the NLEX Road Warriors in supporting his decision to sign with the Shiga Lakestars in Japan.

Kiefer Ravena may have to clear some things with the PBA before he can push through with his move to play in Japan.

PBA teams will still have to continue with their full practices and scrimmages outside of Metro Manila and provinces under the so-called “NCR Plus” after the stricter General Community Quarantine guidelines were extended until June 15.

PBA teams are bracing for new quarantine classifications that could allow the resumption of full practices and scrimmages in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces under the NCR Plus bubble.

The PBA Board of Governors will meet Thursday, May 27, to discuss what course of action it will take following the resumption of full practices and scrimmages outside of Metro Manila last week.