Joe Lipa admits PBA D-League teams committed to join his new regional league

JOE LIPA admitted there are teams from the PBA D-League which have expressed their intention to join his Countrywide Developmental Basketball League.

The multi-titled former national coach refused to delve into specifics about the new regional league set to open this year, but confirmed that several teams have already submitted their letter of intent to join its debut tournament, including those from the D-League.

“Twelve have given their letter of intention,” Lipa said in a brief chat with Spin.ph.

Lipa though declined to reveal the identities of teams from the D-League.

Spin.ph earlier reported a plan by some D-League teams to join Lipa’s new regional league owing to the absence of a television coverage in the PBA-backed league where they could promote their products.

Lipa’s regional league reportedly has the backing of giant-network ABS-CBN, the same broadcast giant that once bankrolled the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

The former University of the Philippines coach, however, made it clear organizers of the fledgling league are not out to compete with the D-League as they encourage teams to play in both tournaments.

Lipa has previously confirmed that Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will be fielding his own team representing Saranggani province.