The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will open the shortened Season 48 with the Commissioner’s Cup beginning on October 15.
Unlike past cage wars where the Philippine Cup serves as the opening salvo, the league is veering away from the usual for next season. It has shortened the schedule to just two conferences to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ endeavors.
The aforementioned season opener will take place about a month after the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and a week after the Asian Games in China.
“It’s a sacrifice and a challenge for the PBA, but we’re more than willing to do this in support of Gilas Pilipinas,” PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas told PBA.ph.
Vargas and the league’s board of governors are currently in Paris, France for the annual planning session.
The 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup will see the return of Bay Area from the East Asia Super League and imports with a height limit of 6-foot-9.
The Dragons took the PBA by storm in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup and eventually finished as runners-up to Ginebra in a Finals clash to remember.
The club coached by Brian Goorjian had Myles Powell and Andrew Nicholson but they will be restricted to playing just one import this time.
Serving as the season-ending tilt, meanwhile, will be the Philippine Cup, with San Miguel Beer set to defend the throne they regained last year.
