IF plans push through, PBA teams will enter the Clark bubble by two batches next week.
The 12-member ballclubs depart for Pampanga starting Sept. 28 to get them adapted to the bubble environment in time for the target season restart.
The first batch will be leaving on the 28th, followed by the second one on the 29th.
The team departures had to be moved as schedules for swab testing among players and coaches were set Wednesday (Sept. 23) and Thursday (Sept. 24).
Teams tested on Wednesday were Meralco, Terra Firma, TnT Katropa, and Phoenix, while set to be tested on Thursday are Alaska, NLEX, NorthPort, Rain or Shine, and Blackwater.
Teams under the SMC group such as Magnolia had its testing done earlier, while San Miguel and Barangay are also set for Friday.
Moving back the scheduled departure also had PBA officials consider delaying the start of the Philippine Cup to Oct. 11 instead of the target Oct. 9 date.
The league initially set a Sept. 26 departure to Clark but it had to be moved a little bit as strict preparations are being done before teams could enter the bubble.
Likewise, the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) has yet to give an official approval allowing the holding of scrimmages and 5-on-5 games, although PBA officials are hopeful they will receive the go-signal over the weekend.
Also still pending before the IATF is the league request for its planned two-month bubble.
The Office of the Commissioner has been meeting non-stop with top officials of the 12 ballclubs the past few days to ensure the smooth running of the Clark Bubble.
By Thursday, the PBA medical committee under renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Canlas will meet with executives of the Department of Health (DoH) to discuss the strict protocols to be observed inside the bubble.
Also attending is Arrey Perez, vice president for Business Development of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).