PBA team owners are getting out of their way to sit down together and themselves discuss lingering issues in the pro league.

They convene in a meeting on Jan. 25 at Club Filipino in Greenhills, tackling ticklish topics
including the league TV coveror, the proposed PBA coliseum and the league’s participation in the national team.

At the end of the day, they want the directions to be followed by the league set.

“I see it (the meeting) as an affirmation of their strong interest and concern to see to it that
the PBA goes to the next level in living up to expectation of fans,” said PBA commissioner Chito
Salud.

“This is a positive message of their commitment to make the PBA more attractive and more
accessible to broader and younger fans base,” Salud added.

The commissioner is hopeful positive things will come out in the meeting to be attended by
Smart-PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang, Alaska Milk owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Rain or Shine co-owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que, Barako Bull’s George Chua and Coca-Cola’s JB Baylon.

“Specific resolutions have to be made. I think they are interested in resolving these issues now
to set directions how the league will move forward,” said Salud.

The league commissioner mentioned the on-and-off PBA coliseum plan.

“It’s been on the table for a long time. It has to be resolved. Do we pigeonhole it? Or do we
go through with it?” he said.

Salud hinted the TV contract is the most important topic.

“The matter of who will cover the PBA is crucial and vital because they will be the marketing
partner of the PBA. The front office is tasked to improve the product which is the game, then we
need to have a good marketing partner,” Salud explained.

The PBA is now entertaining prospective new coveror since Solar Sports has announced it will be out at the end of its current contract in August.

“The next coveror should have the experience, the resources and the capabilities. On these
merits, the owners will choose the PBA marketing partner maybe for the next five years,” said
Salud. (SB)

PBA.Ph