PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said that the league will begin allowing more virtual fans to watch games starting Oct. 19.
“Tinitignan po namin kung papaano. By October 19 po magpapasok na tayo ng mga fans,” the amiable executive said.
Virtual fans were in attendance for the TNT-Alaska clash. The digital audience watched the Tropang GIGA defeat the Aces, 100-95, behind Roger Pogoy’s 45 points.
Marcial said that the league’s broadcast partner TV5 told him that they could accommodate 250 virtual spectators every game.
“Kino-consider natin andun ‘yung mga teams, andun ‘yung mga sponsors, andun din ‘yung ibang mga governors natin. Ang sinabi sa’kin ng TV5, mga 250 per game pwede pumasok,” he said.
“So tignan natiin kung ilan ang naipapasok nating mga fans,” added the third-year league commissioner.
Regarding the mechanics of joining the unique viewing experience, though, Marcial said that the league and TV5 are still discussing such.
“Dahan-dahan nating sasabihin sa social media natin at sa TV5 kung papaano sila papasok,” he said.
“Starting October 19 magpapapasok na tayo.”
The league is doing its best to maximize its options to reach its fans as it continues to traverse the COVID-19 pandemic.
And so far, their efforts have paid dividends. The PBA trended on Twitter, and was also watched by thousands online.
Sunday’s games are also being streamed live through the FIBA Asia Champions Cup Facebook page.
“Masaya. Nag-trending tayo eh. Hindi lang dito, pati sa FIBA (FIBA Asia Champions Cup FB), kaninang halftime, 14K na ‘yung nanonood sa atin,” Marcial said. “Malaking bagay sa atin. Hindi lang tayo, pati FIBA. At ‘di lang basketball ang sinasabi ko, pati sa ibang sports, sana makapagbigay ng pag-asa sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin.
“Sana makapagbigay tayo ng konting saya. Malaking bagay na sa PBA ‘yun.”
