Expansion the way to go; 3 teams knock on PBA door

MANILA, Philippines — With a huge surplus of jobless players, the time is ripe for the Philippine Basketball Association to expand operations by bringing in more teams.

The pro league recently flung its doors for three new possible ballclubs to come in, not only to curb the skyrocketing unemployment rate among unsigned players but to further broaden its growing fan base and add more excitement to a dynamic entertainment product.

A month after presenting their letters of intent, the franchise applications of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Columbian Autocar Corporation and five-time PBA D-League champion NLEX Road Warriors now sit on the lap of the PBA Board of Governors for approval.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud announced earlier that the three aspirants are financially capable of sustaining teams in the league and has recommended the acceptance of the applicants to the board.

Ever Bilena of cosmetics magnate Dioceldo Sy has a rich basketball history that began years before it brought in Asi Taulava to the defunct Philippine Basketball League as the cornerstone of the franchise 15 years ago. Ever Bilena owns Blackwater in the PBA D-League.

Columbian Autocar Corp. will use Korean automotive giant Kia as front brand that could pave the way for a car manufacturer to operate a PBA franchise since Toyota moved out of the league in the 80s.

Dominating the D-League landscape for quite some time, the NLEX Warriors have decided to go to the next level and counting the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the Meralco Bolts, sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan could be running three teams in the PBA.

“I have checked their financials. They are all capable. I will recommend their acceptance to the PBA board,” said Salud.

The applicants need at least three-fourths or eight votes from the members of the board to get accepted and pay a franchise fee of P100 million each. Brushing off suggestions that it could be unlucky, PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said they could see no problem on giving equal media exposure and opportunity for the 13 teams and their players as far as scheduling is concerned.

Since the PBA played its first game in 1975, the league only had 9 teams and expanded to 10 later on.

The league had its share of ups and downs before sales and popularity began negotiating an upward trend since the previous season, triggering a loud clamor for growth.

With expansion in the offing, the three ballclubs will create more jobs, more opportunities and more fans.