THE PBA has just posted an all-time high P110 million in gate receipts in its recently concluded 37th season, yet the prospects of surpassing the nine-digit figures for the coming playing calendar has become all the more encouraging with the impending entry of Mikee Romero’s franchise in the pro league.
The fate of Romero’s company, Sultan 900, will be decided by the league's board of governors in their annual planning session in Macau this weekend. At two-thirds vote is needed for the franchise to be approved as the PBA's 10th member team.
Romero had bought the Coca-Cola/Powerade franchise lock, stock and barrel just as the 2011-12 season was about to end.
Barangay Ginebra’s Robert Non, the incoming board chairman, said a new team whose owner’s passion for basketball is unquestionable will definitely be an asset for the league as it seeks new heights.
That and tapping other avenues where the league can earn additional revenues make him confident enough of surpassing the P110 million figures by the time his term is over.
Non is taking over the chairmanship from Rain or Shine’s Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, who vowed last year to topple the then gate receipt record of P91 million established by his predecessor, Rene Pardo of B-Meg.
Ramon Segismundo of Meralco will take over as vice-chairman, while treasurer is Petron’s Ely Capacio.
Other matters to be taken up during the three-day meeting is the format for the 38th season, the import height limit for both the Commissioner's and Governors Cup, the plans of coveror TV5, and the extension of commissioner Chito Salud’s term.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
