2-conference PBA season set on April 11

The 2021 PBA Season is now set. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—For the first time since 2010, the PBA will be adopting a two-conference format for the upcoming 46th season.

But according to PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas, the 2021 calendar will run as if there are three championships at stake for the year, that is, the season will last for 10 months and might spill to early 2022.

"We're looking forward to a 10-month season in Season 46. Four months will be the All-Filipino (Philippine Cup) and six months will be the Governors' Cup," Vargas said in an online press conference following the board's meeting at the PBA office in Quezon City.

While the format of the Philippine Cup will likely remain the same, the Governors' Cup gets a tweak in its schedule, leading to a longer tournament.

"The second conference is going to be a six-month, double round robin conference," Vargas bared, although he added that the six-foot-five height limit for imports will still be enforced.

He also bared that a certain budget has been placed for the entire season, which will now start on April 11.

Vargas then expressed bullishness about the upcoming season, which will also mark the start of the 3x3 league.

"We're looking good in spite of all the challenges in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020 where a lot of financials really hit bad. If we do this right in 2021, we will be able to recover our financial standing, if not equal to, a little lower than what we experienced in 2019," he further said. "It is our hope that we are able to bring 10 months of basketball to the Philippines starting April 11."

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