PBA Comm's Cup possibly with guest team, 2-import format eyed

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that a guest team could join next season's Commissioner's Cup. Dennis Acosta
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--The possibility of the PBA allowing a second import for each team in the Commissioner's Cup is gaining traction now that a guest team could join in the fray.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said on Wednesday night ahead of Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and Meralco that pending an agreement, the mid-season conference could become a 13-team field.

"Ang pinag-uusapan namin ay schedules, logistics, at players. Wala pang konkretong usapan, pero tinitignan natin kung magkakaroon tayo ng guest team," Marcial said.

He added that they could approve the proposal to make the Commissioner's Cup a two-import conference if the guest team confirms its participation.

However, Marcial also said that the tournament could become a two-import event with or without the guest team.

"Pwede naman silang (PBA board of governors) magbago na mag-two imports na for this coming season, pero as of now, bukas sila sa two imports," the executive further said.

The only thing assured for now is that for the Commissioner's Cup, teams can sign up for an import of unlimited height, paving the way for the return of seven-foot foreign reinforcements.

According to Marcial, whether the second import will be of "unlimited height" too if the guest team confirms its participation is being considered as well.

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