PBA board agrees to shorten 45th season due to pandemic

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After a thorough discussion with the board, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial agreed and confirmed that the leagues’ 45th season would be shortened to two or only one season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic’s effect caused President Rodrigo Duterte to place and extend Luzon under enhanced community quarantine, prohibiting mass gatherings and events to stop the spread of the virus.

Moreover, the enhanced community quarantine delayed the ongoing PBA All-Filipino conference after Marcial decided to suspend basketball operations to safeguard his players, coaches, and employees.

With no further announcement regarding the league’s return, the PBA board already confirmed cutting down its conferences to have a more convenient schedule this 45th season.

The board uniformly agreed to the decision they made during their online meeting initiated by PBA chairman, Ricky Vargas.

“The leaning of the board right now is two conferences. But if the current situation extends, we might have just one conference. Apart from it, the board is also concerned with the welfare of the fans, the employees and the players,” said Marcial.