Proposed new format divides the house

For almost five hours, the PBA board met and deliberated yesterday but, as expected, failed to make a final decision regarding the proposed change in format, calendar and the level of national commitment starting next year.

The board members, all 10 of them, were reportedly divided on some issues, particularly on the possible shift from a three-conference format to a single-championship layout similar to that of the NBA.

Some board members contested the plan which calls for a longer elimination process leading up to the division battles and the national championship, all under an October-to-May calendar as compared to the present February-to-December setup.

Some board members were concerned over the fact that a team that fails to reach the national championship would be idle for at least five months. During that period, the teams will have to spend so much on player salaries, not to mention the coaches and staff, with hardly any exposure.

The board, according to commissioner Noli Eala, will meet again on Nov. 4.

"This is a sensitive issue that need not be rushed. The board asked for a continuation because they want to get the reactions of their respective organizations first," said Eala, who presented the proposal to the board in the form of a 19-page module.

Part of the proposed change in calendar would enable the league to rest during the rainy season where crowd attendance is deemed lowest.

The new calendar, if and when approved, would also open the doors to a bigger national commitment by the PBA in terms of international competitions like the Asian Basketball Championship, Asian Games, World Championship or even the Olympics.

Again, some issues were raised on the fact that the chosen cagers will be playing for the country longer than necessary while it’s their mother teams paying their huge salaries.

"Nothing was made final today," league chairman Jun Cabalan was quoted after the meeting held in Makati.

"I’m not confident all my proposals will be accepted completely and without amendments. But I’m hopeful it can be considered and looked upon with open mindedness," Eala had earlier said.

"There’s a need to view the problems (low attendance and poor TV ratings) of the league in a different perspective. Like an out-of-the-box thinking. Now it’s up to the board," he said.