PBA eyes setting up ‘bubble’ in QC, Calamba or Clark

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is now studying the idea of a “bubble” set up to resume its 45th season.

PBA Board of Governors chairman Ricky Vargas in an online forum with the Philippine Sportswriters Association, said they are considering Quezon City, Laguna or Pampanga as possible venues for the “bubble.”
“May model na eh. The model is the NBA,” Vargas said. “We should just go ahead and look forward to the time na maglalaro tayo, whether it’s the NBA way or a more innovative way.”
TNT KaTropa governor said they are also looking at Inspire Sports Academy in National University Laguna and the Araneta Coliseum with the nearby hotels.
The PBA chair that while the idea of the bubble is exciting, he said they still have to consider the association’s financial status and the health protocols they need to set up.

“Di ba ‘yung NBA din has strict protocols. Almost everyday tine-test sila. We have to take a look at it seriously also,” said Vargas.

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“We will have to take in our own financials kung pwede sagutin ng PBA or if it will be shared by the teams. These are important issues to be discussed,” he added.

Also read: NBA finds home in Philippines with Cignal, TV5

PBA eyes putting up ‘bubble’ in QC, Calamba or Clark

The PBA plans to conduct team scrimmages by September and targets to restart games by October.

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“Sana makalaro tayo by October, kaya ko hanggang second week ng October,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. “Pero kasi dapat may practice ka pa ng isang buwan. Sana maka-practice tayo ng [August] 18, tapos by September, maka-scrimmage pa tayo nang kaunti, okay pa tayo.”

“‘Yung game hindi talaga maililipat sa ibang lugar ‘yun. Baka ‘yung ibang teams, mag-ano ng practices sa ibang lugar, di natin alam. Tingnan natin kung anong proposal ng teams,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) also delayed its training when Metro Manila and nearby provinces revert to modified general community quarantine.

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“PFF exhorts everyone to observe best practices in combating COVID-19, cooperate with local and national authorities, and be safe and healthy during the on-going state of public health emergency in the country,” the PFF said in its website.