New home for PBA

OSAKA – A recurring problem that has made logistic planning difficult for the PBA is the absence of a permanent venue. Over the past seasons since the end of the pandemic, the PBA has moved from arena to arena, depending on availability with mainstays Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA Arena a magnet for concerts and other entertainment events.

During the PBA’s annual planning meeting that ended here last weekend, the Board of Governors received an update from PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and general counsel Atty. Ogie Narvasa on the dream of owning a venue to call home. When the idea was initially broached four years back, the probability of realization has increased from one to two percent to 70 to 75 percent, said Marcial.

“Sa darating na September, 80 percent ng ating games ay nasa Ninoy Aquino Stadium kasi Araneta at MOA hindi available,” disclosed Marcial. “May kausap tayong investor na handang mag-tayo ng arena at ang target ay accessible two to three hectare Metro Manila property para sa ating bagong bahay.” Marcial said the concept is a joint venture with a builder and PBA as landowner. “Ang taas ng demand ngayon for an entertainment venue at ang ating arena will also be available for shows and concerts,” he pointed out. Marcial added that the push for more provincial and international games will continue even with the rise of the PBA’s own arena.

“This isn’t just a remodeling but a building of our new home,” said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas. “We’re doing things to bring fans back to the venue and owning an area is a major step. Right now, there is no stability of venue. When we move from venue to venue, fans are confused.” Vargas explained that the arena project is within the purview of the goal of investing in ancillary business. “We’ll look into merchandising, licensing even of toys, promoting the PBA’s e-sports,” he said. The highlight is the PBA building its own arena.

Vargas said the PBA will persist in its thrust to be socially responsible and active. “We’re the only league that does so much for the community,” he noted. “We want to expand our nationwide CSRs and become more focused in this respect. We want to review our Trust Fund and come up with more programs to benefit our players and their families. The challenge is to execute what’s on the table.”