INQUIRER Sports

THE LAUNCH OF THE ASEAN Basketball League has been moved to a still undetermined date to give more time for organizers to close a 10-year deal with network giant ESPN.

Mikee Romero, who co-owns the Philippine club franchise with ABC-5 owner Antonio “Tony Boy” Cojuangco, announced the postponement, saying ESPN will play a crucial role in the success of the league.

“Though we have already set everything for the launch of the event, we have to give way to this very important undertaking of the league,” said Romero, who owns the Harbour Centre franchise in the PBL.

“We know the value of ESPN and we know the value of a local television.”

Romero said the final date of the launch, originally set tomorrow in Manila, will be announced next week.

“We apologize for the postponement but we have one shot at this and I want to get it right,” ABL founder Tony Fernandes said.

Cojuangco and Romero said it is important for the league to have a tie-up with an established TV network to attract sponsors.

Aside from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore are seeing action in the league with Indonesia eyeing one more team and Vietnam signifying its intention to join the league.