PBA enforces three-year ban to curb player exodus

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Philippine Basketball Association may have found a solution to stem the growing trend of players abruptly leaving the league to explore overseas opportunities.

Following the departures of Arvin Tolentino, Jamie Malonzo and William Navarro this season, the PBA announced on Aug. 5, 2025, that it will impose a three-year ban on players who refuse to sign or re-sign with their mother teams and instead join other professional leagues.

Under the new rule, players with expiring contracts who are eligible to re-sign but choose to jump ship will be subject to the ban.

Multiple reports indicate that the trio could be sanctioned after agents disclosed they were offered “convincing” extension deals by NorthPort, Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, respectively.

If the rule is enforced retroactively, Tolentino, Malonzo and Navarro will not be allowed to play in the PBA until the first conference of 2029.

The ban also applies to rookies who refuse to sign their Uniform Player Contracts (UPC).

This could impact Dave Ildefonso, who has yet to sign with NorthPort after being selected fifth overall in the Season 49 Rookie Draft.

During contentious contract negotiations, Ildefonso and the Batang Pier failed to reach an agreement.

The former Ateneo standout has yet to suit up for NorthPort and is currently playing for the Abra Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Players who are not offered new contracts within 30 days of contract expiration, however, are exempt from the new rule.

The PBA said the policy aims to preserve roster parity across franchises and prevent prolonged contract disputes between players and team management.