THE PBA is not totally shelving a two-import conference as Commissioner Willie Marcial revealed that they are looking at the possibility of a foreign guest team taking part in the pro league's 49th season.
Marcial said the PBA is now in negotiations with a potential guest team that will play in the Commissioner’s Cup. If a guest team enters the league next season, Marcial said the regular teams will most likely be playing with two imports.
“May kausap na rin ako na baka may guest team tayo sa second conference (Commissioner’s Cup),” said Marcial during a press briefing before Game One of the Philippine Cup Finals.
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“Nag-uusap pa. Ang pinag-uusapan namin is schedule, logistics, and players. Wala pang konkretong usapan. Pero tinitignan natin kung magkakaroon tayo ng guest team,” said Marcial, who declined to reveal the identity or origin of the foreign guest team.
“May proposal din na baka mag-two imports kasi depende kapag sumali ‘yung guest team, baka mag-two imports tayo,” said Marcial.
But even if there won’t be a guest team, Marcial said the board is still open to a two-import conference regardless.
“As of now, ‘yun (two-import conference if there is a guest team). Pero puwede naman sila magbago na mag-two imports na lagi for this coming season. Pero as of now, bukas sila sa two imports. Sigurado ‘yun na kapag sumali ‘yung kausap namin o may gustong sumali, baka mag-two imports na tayo,” said Marcial.
A proposal by Marcial to remove the height limit for next season’s Commissioner’s Cup has already been approved by the PBA board.
Marcial, however, said there is no discussions yet on whether they will implement a height limit for the second import or not.
“As of now, unli tayo sa Commissioner’s Cup. Tignan natin ‘yung susunod na import. Wala pa, pero open sila sa dalawang imports,” said Marcial.
The PBA opened its doors to a guest team during the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup where the Bay Area Dragons, coached by Australia national coach Brian Goorjian, reached the finals but lost to Barangay Ginebra.
The Dragons had two imports in Myles Powell and Andrew Nicholson as part of their campaign in the East Asia Super League, but they only played one at a time as part of the concessions in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Other leagues across Asia have been playing with multiple imports over the years, a rule that is seen as a disadvantage to PBA teams if they play outside local shores since the league only plays with a lone reinforcement.
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