PBA 'semi-bubble' to take place in Angeles

The PBA board of governors officially approved the bubble format. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It is now official: the PBA is going inside a bubble of sorts.

The league's board of governors approved on Thursday the proposal to have all the 12 teams converge in just one area just for the postponed season to resume.

The city of Angeles was chosen as the place for the PBA "semi-bubble".

In the said format, teams will check in at the Quest Hotel within the said city's Clark district.

All matches will take place at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Center, and right after the teams' scheduled game, they have to head straight to Quest Hotel.

Players who will be caught violating the bubble protocols will be penalized with a PHP100,000 fine, a one month suspension without pay, and a five-game ban which will take effect next season.

Two games will be held everyday starting Oct. 9.

While the season is the Philippine Cup in essence, the PBA board moved to adopt the Governors' Cup playoff format for the postseason.

The top four teams after the regular season will gain twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals, while the Final 4 will engage in two best-of-five semifinals with the winners advancing to the best-of-seven finals.

In line with the preparation for the season restart, the PBA has sought permission from the Inter-Agency Task Force to resume scrimmages by Sept. 27.

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