League merger seen as long-term solution

MANILA, Philippines - Even as the PBL has launched its new season, SBP executive director Noli Eala said yesterday talks are ongoing to merge the country’s premier semi-pro league and the regional Liga Pilipinas with the view of finding a long-term solution to the economic problem of staying commercially viable under difficult business conditions.

“We’re certainly not undermining the ongoing PBL conference,” said Eala. “In fact, the SBP congratulates the PBL Board, led by chairman Ding Camua, and commissioner Chino Trinidad, for successfully opening the new season with eight clubs. We’ve got a core group designated to discuss the terms of reference in a merger and we’re moving forward, trying to meet every week to talk about eligibility rules, formats, schedules, pay scales and drafting procedures.”

Among those involved in the merger discussions are prime mover PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, Camua, Chito Loyzaga, Robert Non, Patrick Gregorio, Yayoy Alcoseba, Joe Soberano, Trinidad and Eala.

“We’ve got the support of San Miguel Corp. and PLDT to proceed,” said Eala. “We’re looking at creating a new corporate structure for the merger, perhaps to involve a third party contributing equity, maybe, a TV partner. We’re sorting out a timetable.”

As for Liga, Eala said it recently held a preseason tournament with Cebu, Mandaue, Laguna and General Santos City in Cebu City but has put the next conference on hold to await the results of the merger talks.

“Liga is ready to start the next conference with at least eight teams,” said Eala. “Two more teams are close to joining. To conserve resources, Liga decided to hold off the opening of the next conference until there is some clarity on the merger. But we’re preparing just the same for our opening with live radio and delayed TV coverage.”

Eala said if the merger is good for Philippine basketball, then the SBP will support it all the way.

“This could be the best solution to the economic difficulties of running a basketball league,” said Eala.

Trinidad said the important thing is to agree on basic principles with the merger being mutually beneficial to the two leagues.

“I can’t see a hindrance to working together,” said Trinidad. “It’s a matter of finding the middle ground. If the PBL Board agrees, then by all means, let’s establish a relationship between the two leagues, conceptualize, rationalize and take it a step further.”

Eala said at the moment, the SBP is focusing on developing programs for women and the youth. He has also been in close contact with former FIBA president Carl Ching Men Ky in preparing for the SEABA Congress next month and the FIBA-Asia Congress in April.

Eala also mentioned Bernie Atienza, Butch Antonio, Rico Meneses and Joey Bautista continue to be involved in Smart-Gilas’ affairs.