Willie Marcial is new PBA commissioner

Willie Marcial. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Willie Marcial is the 10th commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The PBA Board of Governors unanimously installed the longtime media bureau chief as the league’s new chieftain during its first board meeting Thursday afternoon in the PBA office in Libis.

The 56-year-old executive will serve the term for the next three years.

All 12 governors were present for the session which paved way for the league to finally move on from the controversial exit of Chito Narvasa.

Marcial will still remain as the league’s communications and external affairs head.

PBA governor Rickie Vargas made the announcement through the league’s social media accounts.

“As you know, the PBA Board has gone through a very difficult time before the opening of this season. And we’re looking for somebody that can put it together and help us heal the process as there will be a lot of changes as we move along. And we’re lucky that Willie is here,” he said.

Marcial has been serving as the league’s officer-in-charge since the start of the 43rd season, instituting changes when it comes to officiating that allowed a more physical game in the league.

He also introduced PBA Homecourt where current PBA stars and legends make surprise visits to the barangays as one of the league’s corporate social responsibility programs while also forming a five-man committee to oversee transactions between teams.