THE PBA is already preparing for its 48th season which is slated to open on Oct. 15 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that the 48th season will run for six months and will hold two conferences after the league gives way to the country’s participation in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup and the 19th Asian Games.
PBA schedule
Aside from the opening rites, the PBA has lined-up preseason activities, most notably the Rookie Draft on Sept. 17 at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
The PBA Draft Combine has also been scheduled on Sept. 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops Dome in Mandaluyong City.
Unlike in previous seasons, the PBA will usher the new season with the Commissioner’s Cup with an import height limit of 6 feet 9 inches, before the Philippine Cup is held.
The Bay Area Dragons are returning as a guest team in the import-laced conference.
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“Nandiyan po ang Bay Area Dragons at mababalik na din natin ang mga out-of-town games dahil sinubukan na rin natin sa ‘On Tour’. Mauuna na po muna ang Commissioner’s Cup bago po ang Philippine Cup para mapagbigyan po natin ang Bay Area Dragons,” said Marcial.
The PBA commissioner said the league is looking forward to the league’s participation in the East Asia Super League (EASL) that will happen within the season with Barangay Ginebra, TNT, and Bay Area Dragons competing. The PBA will adjust its schedule to accommodate the teams.
The PBA All-Star Game is also targeted to be held in March in Bacolod City.
But Marcial said the main priority at the moment is in the opening game and the draft.
In the lead-up to the season, the PBA will also hold a fun run on Sept. 24 at Bridgetowne in Pasig, a press conference on Oct. 10 and a media day on Oct. 12.
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