THE PBA remains open to revisiting the unrestricted free agent rule that was initially imposed for the players in order for them to have the liberty to choose which career path they want to take.
PBA on unrestricted free agency
Commissioner Willie Marcial explained the rule was set during the time of the late former PBA chairman Ely Capacio for the benefit of the players who want to play elsewhere at the end of their contracts.
So far, Marcial said he doesn’t see any problems with the rule that has already been called as the "Ely Capacio rule" in the PBA circle but is open to change if it does not benefit the league overall.
“Para sa mga players ito na dati, sinasabi ng mga fans, paano makakaalis ‘yan eh may rights lagi ang teams,” said Marcial during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum on Tuesday.
Marcial said the rule was imposed in response to a previous PBA policy in which teams have the rights to their player in perpetuity regardless if they have a live contract or not unless a team relinquishes it.
“Tignan muna natin. Kung makakaapekto ng malaki sa liga, ire-revisit natin. As of now, okay naman. Wala namang problema,” said Marcial.
Two players in Rodney Brondial and Nards Pinto have already exercised the right as they chose to sign with San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, respectively and leave their previous teams despite their standing offers.
Marcial said the PBA implemented the rule in its essence even though there were also questions on whether free agent players can sign with their former team’s sister squad.
“Paano kapag sister team, sabi namin, free agency nga kaya puwedeng mamili kung saan. Balewala ‘yung pagka-free agency mo kung may dapat kang hindi puntahan,” said Marcial.
Marcial explained while it has an advantage to the players, it also has risk if he chooses to test the market.
“Ang disadvantage lang sa players, kung free agent muna ako, sugal mo ‘yun. Kung walang kumuha sayo, babalik ka doon [sa former team]. Eh kung hindi ka na kunin?” said Marcial.
“Para sa mga players itong free agency na ‘to,” said Marcial.
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