MBA’s new formula

Contrary to some public opinion, there will be a new spring in the step of the Metropolitan Basketball Association in 2002. Despite the transfer of broadcasting network from ABS-CBN to NBN, the loss of key players to the PBA draft, the exodus of FedEx and the leave of absence of former champion Andok’s San Juan, there is reason to be upbeat about.

"From now on, everything will be centralized through the league," explains chairman Santi Araneta of LBC Group, which backs the reigning champion Batangas Blades. "This will not only greatly lessen the burden of the team owners, but also make it easier to implement what is best for the league. This early, the signs are very encouraging, and we’re very optimistic that the league will thrive next year."

To begin with, the league is turning back towards its original vision of building its muscle in the provinces. The big news in terms of membership is that Olongapo City, through Tourism Secretary Dick Gordon, is most likely to enter the league using the dormant Manila franchise. The team will be called the Volunteers, recalling the spirit that made the city a prototype of cleanliness and organization through the years.

"Now, we are encouraging local government units to be more involved in promoting themselves," Araneta continues. "And they don’t have to do it alone, as in the past. All they have to do, basically, is coordinate with local businesses and invite them to sponsor the league. This could range from naming the team to being part of the television coverage. We’re all for creating new business opportunities in their areas. And being part of the nationwide coverage on the MBA will do that."

That new twist has given potential franchise owners greater latitude in maintaining their teams. Other candidates for MBA franchises next year are the returning Pampanga and Pangasinan and newcomers Taguig, Ilocos Norte, Makati and Antipolo, to name a few. Current members are also studying playing venues where they may attract more crowds. Actually, nothing limits a team to playing in only one venue within its geographical boundary.

"Of course, the teams must also bring value to the league," the chairman adds. "What good is caring about your team if the league suffers? We must think about the big picture. Everyone must realize that they have to bring in the crowds and good games also. The league will take a more active role in establishing parity among the teams, similar to what the WNBA is doing." The WNBA has a say where new, dominant players play to balance the strength of the teams.

In 2002, advertising will be more customized for geographically limited businesses. For example, a transport group that is based largely in Davao and Negros, for example, could choose to advertise only on Davao Eagles and Negros Slashers games to strengthen their brand recall in those areas. On the other hand, advertising in other areas may also give them a foothold there.

Additionally, the league will be cutting down its travel costs to more manageable levels while still maintaining the regional spirit of the games. Also, exorbitant satellite transmission costs will be cut to keep the league’s expenses at a more acceptable level.

Given that many of its marquee players have entered the PBA draft and a few may end up with the national team, the MBA is also actively scouting new players in colleges and commercial leagues here and in the provinces, as it did back in 1998. This will undoubtedly inject a new spirit into the league, one that was diluted when it decided to accelerate the growth curve by pirating PBA players.

With all these changes, the MBA will look trim and vital in 2002. Going back to its roots, in a sense, will give the league a greater focus, a more sustainable future, and increase stability. There are, after all, many local governments leaders who would love to put themselves on the map by being in the MBA and seeing their teams’ exploits on television and in the papers.

It’s all about communities working together, anyway.

Have a safe, peaceful and prosperous New Year, everyone.