Players OK with bubble concept for PBA restart

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial together with PBA Deputy Comm. Eric Castro during the players’ dialogue about the proposed bubble. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA and its player representatives from all 12 teams found mutual ground ahead of the league’s plans of salvaging its 45th season.

In a dialogue with the players on Wednesday, a bubble environment similar to the NBA was agreed upon to be the preferred setup if the league is to push through with its restart.

“All of them are willing to play in an NBA-type bubble or semi-bubble. They don’t like the closed-circuit and requested to do away with it,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said.

The NBA has been highly-successful with its creation of a bubble campus at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The PBA is looking to follow the same blueprint by holding a conference that would only last up to two months.

The location, however, has yet to be determined with Clark, Marriot Hotel, Lio El Nido Resort in Palawan and Batangas Pontefino hotel among the possible sites.

Marcial added the topics discussed in the dialogue will be relayed to the Board of Governors, who will have their own meeting on Thursday.

Among the players present during the key meeting were Marc Pingris of Magnolia, Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer, Jayson Castro of TNT and Beau Belga of Rain or Shine.