PBA sets record goals

MANILA, Philippines - Average attendance took a dip in the PBA last season due to adjustments in schedule to allow an extended training period for the national team but the pro league’s new chairman Patrick Gregorio said the other day the goal is to set a record in live audience numbers in the 40th anniversary campaign starting Oct. 19.

The average attendance record for a season is 7,700 set in 1996 and nearly broken in 2010-11. Indications are clear that a new record will soon be made with crowds of over 20,000 recently storming the gates of venues for big games. Last season opened with an audience of 20,298 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and ended with 23,234 witnessing Game 5 of the Governors Cup Finals between San Mig Coffee and Rain Or Shine. During the season, the PBA recorded an all-time, single-game attendance mark of 24,883 in Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semifinals between San Mig Coffee and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to eclipse the previous high of 23,436 in Game 3 of the 2012-13 Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Alaska and Ginebra.

For the first time in its 39-year history, the PBA will welcome 12 teams this season. Kia Motors and Blackwater are joining the fold as expansion franchises. N-Lex is another new member after buying the Air 21 franchise.

Gregorio said he hopes to set a new live attendance record in the inaugural doubleheader on Oct. 19. The plan is to stage the opener at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena with Kia and Blackwater in the first game and Talk ‘N’ Text and Ginebra in the second. A final ocular inspection of the venue is scheduled on Sept. 18. The Philippine Arena will lay out its new hardcourt and put up the basketball goals for the PBA’s approval. If the plan pushes through, it will be the first commercial venture held at the Philippine Arena.

A Kia team source said the company will mobilize 200 buses from different points of Luzon to bring in at least 10,000 fans for the inaugurals. The same source said Kia intends to bus in at least 10,000 fans to watch every game of the Sorrentos.

Gilas’ strong showing at the FIBA World Cup in Spain is expected to fuel even more interest in the PBA as the national team proved it is competitive with the best teams on the planet, coming close to beating No. 3 Argentina and staying within striking distance of No. 5 Greece. A PBA source said history has shown a direct correlation between the national team’s performance and attendance in the pro league.

Gregorio will preside in a PBA Board of Governors meeting during the Asian Games in Incheon. Representatives of Kia, Blackwater and N-Lex will attend their initial Board meeting. Gregorio is expected to detail his agenda for the 40th anniversary season. He presided in a Board meeting during the FIBA World Cup in Seville but as it was a review of last season’s performance, Governors of the new teams were not in attendance.

There is talk that Gregorio, who played a key role in bringing Kia to the PBA, will push for even more expansion in 2015-16. At least two companies are lined up to join. One is involved in a popular local consumer product and the other is a major conglomerate with interests in real estate, commercial establishments and retail sales. A PBA source said two more companies may be added to the roster starting 2016-17.

Previous PBA chairman Ramon Segismundo began the move towards expansion under the theme “One PBA” last year. His term set a positive tone for unity and support for the Gilas program.

An item to be discussed in the Incheon meeting may be the Philippines’ participation at the FIBA Asia Championships in China next year. The tournament will be the qualifier for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Only the champion team will advance to the Olympics. The PBA’s involvement in the preparations and formation of the national squad may be taken up.