The oldest reigning league in Asia is gearing for its PBA 48th season which is slated to open on October 15 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that the 48th season will run for six months and will hold two conferences after the league gives way to the country’s participation in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup and the 19th Asian Games.
Aside from the opening rites, the PBA has lined-up preseason activities, most notably the Rookie Draft on Sept. 17 at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
The PBA Draft Combine has also been scheduled on Sept. 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops Dome in Mandaluyong City.
Unlike in previous seasons, the PBA will usher the new season with the Commissioner’s Cup with an import height limit of 6 feet 9 inches, before the Philippine Cup is held.
| Rank | Team | WIN | LOSS | STREAK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magnolia Timplados Hotshots | 11 | 0 | +11 |
| 2 | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| 3 | Blackwater Bossing | 7 | 4 | +1 |
| 4 | Meralco Bolts | 7 | 4 | +1 |
| 5 | Converge FiberXers | 6 | 5 | +1 |
| 6 | Barangay Ginebra | 6 | 5 | +2 |
| 7 | NLEX Road Warriors | 5 | 6 | -1 |
| 8 | NorthPort Batang Pier | 5 | 6 | -2 |
| 9 | Terrafirma Dyip | 4 | 7 | -1 |
| 10 | Phoenix Super LPG | 3 | 8 | -5 |
| 11 | San Miguel Beermen | 3 | 8 | -2 |
| 12 | TNT Tropang GIGA | 1 | 10 | -3 |
The PBA commissioner said the league is looking forward to the league’s participation in the East Asia Super League (EASL) that will happen within the season with Barangay Ginebra, TNT, and Bay Area Dragons competing. The PBA will adjust its schedule to accommodate the teams.
The PBA All-Star Game is also targeted to be held in March in Bacolod City.