SBP pins P30-M price tag on Fiba Asia hosting rights

THE SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas has prepared an audio-visual presentation that will detail the country’s hosting plans for the Fiba Asia tournament next year, an event that could cost the basketball body P30 million.

The SBP will make its pitch before the Fiba Asia executive board in a bid to land hosting rights for the tournament, which serves as the continental qualifier for the 2014 Fiba World Championships.

Making up the SBP sales team are federation president Manny V. Pangilinan, vice chair Ricky Vargas, executive director Renauld Barrios and PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

They will make the presentation when the board convenes during the Fiba Asia Cup (formerly Stankovic Cup) next week in Tokyo.

“With the kind of first-class hosting that we’re looking at, it will cost roughly P30 million,” said Barrios.

He said the budget would cover the 12-day rental of Mall of Asia Arena, in-land transportation, billeting and accommodation for the 16 competing teams for 15 days.

The former PBA commissioner added the Fiba Asia will award the hosting rights during the Fiba Asia Cup where Smart Gilas is looking to win a second straight international crown.

The Nationals, coached by Chot Reyes, captured the recent William Jones Cup in Taipei.

Middle East countries Iran, Qatar and Lebanon are also making a bid, along with Japan. But Barrios said Japan’s bid shouldn’t be entertained since it failed to submit its proposal before the Fiba Asia deadline last year.

“Unless they have an escape clause to entertain late bidders, Fiba Asia should strictly implement its regulations,” said Barrios.