Dubai: The popular Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will make its Dubai debut with at least two league matches being scheduled here for May this year.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, who took over the reins in 2010, is in Dubai to engage in a feasibility study and indications are good for a couple of regular matches of the third and final conference on May 20 and 21.
“We will announce the details as soon as the arrangements are finalised. We are in talks at the moment and all details will be finalised and publicised shortly,” Salud told Gulf News on the sidelines of the 26th Dubai International Basketball Tournament, which concludes on Saturday.
“The signs are good and we are encouraged by the passion the Filipino fans have shown to our team [Nlex Road Warriors] during this tournament. Everything points towards having these games on May 20 and 21.”
The current PBA season consists of 12 company-branded teams. Founded in 1975, it was the first professional basketball league in Asia and is the second oldest continuously existing basketball competition in the world after the NBA.
Salud, son of former commissioner Rudy, has been instrumental in taking the PBA to the next level. Starting from the 2010-11 season, the PBA ushered in the return of the previously retired conferences — the Commissioner’s and Governor’s Cups.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and San Miguel Beermen are currently the top two teams in the league.
“I am convinced that we have the right formula for at least a couple of proper PBA matches here in Dubai. After that we will sit down and see how we can build on this,” he said.
One of the important reasons why the PBA has deliberately kept away from purging foreign markets is to avoid possible financial risks to the local promoter.
“Over the years fans have had this popular demand for PBA games here. Our only concern has been that we do not want our promoter and organiser to lose money. We want correct planning, way ahead of the games so that there is enough time to promote the two games. The fans need to be aware that the PBA is coming to the UAE,” Salud said.
“The UAE is a basketball-loving place and we feel comfortable with the way in which the UAE plays host.”
The PBA visit to the UAE later this year will also have a social dimension, with teams trying to give back to the sport while connecting with their fans.
“Visits to schools, malls and hospitals will be among the things we would love to do. It is part of our commitment, but it is really up to the promoter to show us the way. We are game and the players are ready to reach out to the fans here,” Salud said.
“I see these two matches as the first step towards more PBA games in the future.”
