As I sip my morning coffee and scroll through basketball forums, one question keeps popping up more than any other: when does PBA start? This annual ritual of anticipation feels particularly intense this year, perhaps because we're all hungry for that familiar rhythm of weekly games after the disruptions of recent seasons. From what I've gathered talking to insiders, the Philippine Basketball Association is targeting an early February tip-off for its 48th season, though the exact date remains unofficially official as of my last check.
The league office has been dropping hints about a return to the traditional three-conference format after experimenting with different setups during the pandemic years. Commissioner Willie Marcial mentioned in his recent media availability that they're looking at February 5th for the opening, but let's be real - with the PBA, dates can shift faster than a June Mar Fadeaway. I've learned to take these preliminary schedules with a grain of salt, having seen too many "confirmed" opening days get pushed back by a week or two. What does seem certain is that we'll see the Commissioner's Cup kicking things off, followed by the Philippine Cup and then the Governors' Cup - that classic sequence we've all missed.
While we're all wondering when does PBA start, there's another brewing storyline that could significantly impact the season - the ongoing dance between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and several PBA coaches regarding the Gilas Pilipinas program. The grand slam champion coach admitted he has been approached by the SBP about the Gilas Pilipinas comeback but has yet to sit down with SBP officials led by president Al Panlilio and executive director Erika Dy. This development matters because whoever takes the Gilas job will inevitably affect their PBA team's preparation and possibly even player availability throughout the season.
Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen how these national team commitments can create scheduling headaches and roster challenges for PBA clubs. Remember when Tim Cone coached Gilas while handling Purefoods? The man practically lived at the arena. If a current PBA coach takes the national team reins, we might see adjustments to the league calendar to accommodate FIBA windows. The SBP has been quietly reaching out to multiple candidates, and honestly, I think they should look outside the PBA coaching circle this time - fresh perspective could do wonders for the program.
The typical PBA season runs about ten months with each conference lasting roughly three months, though the Philippine Cup often stretches longer due to its prestige. We're probably looking at elimination rounds followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and finals for each tournament. What I'm personally hoping for is that they bring back the full best-of-seven finals series for all conferences, not just select ones. Those extended series create better basketball and allow teams to make proper adjustments - none of this rushed best-of-three business that leaves fans wanting more.
Ticket sales usually begin about three weeks before the opening, with prices ranging from ₱200 for general admission to ₱2,500 for courtside seats. The league hasn't confirmed venue arrangements yet, but my sources suggest we'll see games split between Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena, with possibly some provincial games thrown in if COVID restrictions continue easing. The PBA's been experimenting with different locations lately, and I've got to say - the energy in provincial venues is absolutely electric. They should do more of those outside Metro Manila games.
Media coverage will follow the usual pattern with TV5 carrying the games live and various streaming options available, though I wish they'd improve their digital platform. The current streaming service still has buffering issues during peak moments, and nothing kills the excitement faster than a frozen screen during a game-winning shot attempt. Come on, PBA - it's 2023, get with the program!
As we count down to the answer for when does PBA start, I'm keeping my eyes on several developing stories. The player trade rumors are already heating up, with talk of at least three major franchises considering roster shakeups. Then there's the ongoing question about import heights for the Commissioner's Cup - will they stick with the 6'10" limit or adjust it? And let's not forget the perennial issue of scheduling conflicts with international tournaments. The Asian Games are coming up later this year, and if history tells us anything, we might see the PBA taking another break to accommodate national team duties.
What really excites me though is seeing how the young guns will perform. Last season gave us glimpses of future stars, and I'm expecting breakout years from several second-year players. The league feels like it's at a transition point between generations, and nothing beats watching that evolution unfold in real time. So while we wait for official word on when does PBA start, I'll be here refreshing my Twitter feed and chatting with sources - because in Philippine basketball, the offseason drama is often just as entertaining as the games themselves.
