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PBA Unveils New Tournament Format Ahead Of 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Photo credit: PBA Images
In preparation for its milestone 50th-anniversary celebration, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has announced a significant overhaul to its tournament format.
The change, revealed during the Season 49 opener Governors' Cup, signals a dynamic shift in the league's competitive landscape.
Under the new format, the 12 competing teams will be divided into two groups of six. During the elimination stage, teams within each group will face off twice, amounting to a total of 10 games for each franchise.
This intensified round-robin format promises heightened competition and strategic maneuvering for advancement.
Commissioner Willie Marcial, speaking after the announcement, emphasized the strategic vision behind the revision. "May bago kaming format na ipinakita sa Board. Two groups yun, bale dalawang beses mong makakalaban yung nasa grupo mo," Marcial elucidated, outlining the rationale behind the alteration.
Following the elimination stage, the top four teams from each group will progress to the crossover quarterfinals, while the bottom two teams from both groups will be eliminated outright.
The quarterfinals will be contested as best-of-five series, intensifying the stakes as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
As the tournament progresses, the competition will escalate, with the semifinals and finals adopting a best-of-seven series format. This adjustment promises to deliver unparalleled drama and excitement to fans as the season culminates in a battle for ultimate supremacy.
Marcial hinted at further innovations on the horizon, noting that these changes are just the beginning of a transformative journey leading up to the league's 50th year in 2025. "Sabi nga ni Chairman (Ricky Vargas) baka pwede tayong magpalit ng rules or kung ano pa yung pwede. Para new look ang gustong gawin ng Board simula sa Year 50 natin," he revealed, suggesting a continued commitment to evolution and growth within the PBA.
With the adoption of this new format, the PBA sets the stage for an exhilarating season ahead, promising fans a captivating blend of tradition and innovation as it approaches its golden anniversary.
The change, revealed during the Season 49 opener Governors' Cup, signals a dynamic shift in the league's competitive landscape.
Under the new format, the 12 competing teams will be divided into two groups of six. During the elimination stage, teams within each group will face off twice, amounting to a total of 10 games for each franchise.
This intensified round-robin format promises heightened competition and strategic maneuvering for advancement.
Commissioner Willie Marcial, speaking after the announcement, emphasized the strategic vision behind the revision. "May bago kaming format na ipinakita sa Board. Two groups yun, bale dalawang beses mong makakalaban yung nasa grupo mo," Marcial elucidated, outlining the rationale behind the alteration.
Following the elimination stage, the top four teams from each group will progress to the crossover quarterfinals, while the bottom two teams from both groups will be eliminated outright.
The quarterfinals will be contested as best-of-five series, intensifying the stakes as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
As the tournament progresses, the competition will escalate, with the semifinals and finals adopting a best-of-seven series format. This adjustment promises to deliver unparalleled drama and excitement to fans as the season culminates in a battle for ultimate supremacy.
Marcial hinted at further innovations on the horizon, noting that these changes are just the beginning of a transformative journey leading up to the league's 50th year in 2025. "Sabi nga ni Chairman (Ricky Vargas) baka pwede tayong magpalit ng rules or kung ano pa yung pwede. Para new look ang gustong gawin ng Board simula sa Year 50 natin," he revealed, suggesting a continued commitment to evolution and growth within the PBA.
With the adoption of this new format, the PBA sets the stage for an exhilarating season ahead, promising fans a captivating blend of tradition and innovation as it approaches its golden anniversary.
Jun 7, 2024
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