PBA Season 50 events finalized in Vegas gab

LAS VEGAS, United States – Less than a month before the PBA Season 50 kickoff, members of the PBA board gather in a summit here, finalizing courses of action, including grand showcases on October 4 and 5 to usher in the golden season.

But the first order of business is to elect the officers. The question is whether Ricky Vargas will be persuaded to stay on as PBA board chairman while also being courted to be the next Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president.

If ever, Vargas, the TNT Tropang 5G governor, will serve an unprecedented ninth straight term as PBA chairman. He’s also set to serve as chef de mission of Team Philippines in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Coming from a separate LA trip, Vargas was the first to hit this US leisure city Monday, followed by the bulk of the delegation headed by Commissioner Willie Marcial and Vice Chairman Alfrancis Chua, representing Barangay Ginebra.

Also in Vegas are Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, Jason Webb of Magnolia, Billy Pamintuan of Meralco, Ronald Dulatre of NLEX, Mert Mondragon of Rain or Shine, Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix, Silliman Sy of Blackwater, Archen Cayabyab of Converge and Erick Arejola of NorthPort, all to take part in talks, including the proposed sale of the Batang Pier franchise to Pureblends.

Season 49 reports of the league chairman and the commissioner will be heard, together with that of the PBA coverage partner.

“The PBA remains a strong league as ever,” said Cignal TV official Sienna Olaso.

Season 50 unwraps in elaborate rites at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 5 preceded by the Leo Awards over at the nearby Novotel Hotel.

The day earlier, there will be a fans day also at the Big Dome. Later, the league gathers PBA players from yesteryears for a grand reunion in a night of music and memories at the Meralco Theater.

League calendar, tournament formats, rule changes and many others are up for approval in the Las Vegas conference.