The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) are collaborating to construct a permanent league arena and a national team training center in Quezon City.
The initiative was initially proposed by SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan during the SBP National Congress. SBP Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that discussions among the key stakeholders are currently underway.
”Very excited kami. Si PBA, PSC and together with the SBP are working on something in the QC area where we can have our own arena,” Dy stated.
Organizers are eyeing a vast tract of land along Commonwealth Avenue owned by the University of the Philippines as the prospective site for the joint project.
”For the SBP it is more for our training center. For the PBA, it’s more for their games. So iba-ibang purpose pero iisang compound lang iyon na magiging mini house of basketball for facilities,” Dy explained.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial verified that planning for the joint venture is actively progressing. A dedicated committee—led by Meralco Board Governor Atty. Bill Pamintuan for the PBA side, along with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, Department of the Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and UP Diliman Chancellor Carlo Vista—has been steering the discussions. Secretary Remulla has been presiding over the series of meetings.
”Naka ilang meeting na rin yung committee. Si Secretary Remulla ang nagpi-preside,” said Marcial. “Hinihintay na lang namin mag-pirmahan ng MoA bago yung groundbreaking.”
Additional members of the PBA negotiating committee include Magnolia Governor Jason Webb and Phoenix Governor Atty. Raymond Zorilla.
Constructing a dedicated home arena has been a long-standing aspiration for the league, tracing back to the tenure of former chairman Buddy Encarnado, and is now nearing reality under the leadership of incumbent chairman Victorico “Ricky” Vargas.