COMMISSIONER Willie Marcial said the PBA remains open to expansion, saying the pro league can accommodate a maximum of four more teams for as long as its TV partner will be able to carry the additional load of games.
Marcial said he believes the PBA can go as high as 16 members teams, although that would require increasing its number of playdates to be able to give each ballclub the required exposure.
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Currently, the league holds games every Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a Saturday playdate usually reserved for out-of-town games.
Marcial said its TV partner must agree to air the additional playdates if a 16-team league is to become a reality.
“Puwede tayong mag-14, 16 [teams] basta um-okay ang television na hindi lang three times a week. Kapag okay ang television, kahit 16 [teams], kakayanin,” said Marcial during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.
The PBA has had a 12-team members for eight years now, its last expansion happening in 2014 when Kia, now Terrafirma, and Blackwater came in. Both teams have yet to reach a championship series since.
Marcial said there has always been interest from companies wanting to enter the league, pointing to two which got in touch with league officials.
“Lagi naman (may interest) kahit nung panahon pa nila Comm. Noli (Eala), ED Sonny (Barrios), Comm Chito (Salud). Meron talagang lumalapit sa atin. May dalawang seryoso pero hindi ko alam kung tutuloy na dere-derecho kaya ayoko rin banggitin kung sino sila. May nakikipag-usap. Pero lagi namang ganun,” said Marcial.
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