FILE – PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial during a press conference Wednesday night. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the league will be implementing a 20 percent salary reduction to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Marcial said the league’s employees, players, coaches and team managers are included in the wage cut except for team utility personnel.
“I think it’s about time we should be the one to contribute to the team owners who have supported us for 16 months. For 16 months, there had been no cut in salaries of players and employees so this is just our way of helping the [PBA Board of] governors,” Marcial said in Filipino during an online press briefing Tuesday.
“The salary cut is just one of the measures presented by the commissioner. The board in unison appreciated the sacrifice made by the commissioner and the staff. I think the commissioner is just exercising prudence because of the uncertainty of when we can possibly open the season,” said PBA vice chair Bobby Rosales.
Marcial cleared that the pay cut isn’t permanent with the salary going back to normal once the government allows teams to hold scrimmages.
“Everyone understands the situation and this is a temporary measure,” Marcial said.
The PBA has yet to resume play after its bubble conference in Clark last December.
The league is now targeting a late May or early June opening for its 46th season after its proposed April start got postponed.