Is the formation of a PBA Development League as inevitable as it is imperative?

Indications point to both conclusions.

On Jan. 25, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will present to the PBA Board of Governors a blueprint of a farm league inspired by the NBA D-League and which seeks to serve as a stepping board for collegiate players eyeing careers on the professional stage.

At least three companies – San Miguel Beer through alternate governor Robert Non, Meralco through governor Ramon Segismundo and Maynilad through former chairman Ricky Vargas – have signified their intention to field teams.

The D-League will be open to other interested ballclubs not belonging to the PBA, the Office of the Commissioner said.

“The PBA is not just about being the country’s top sports entertainment league,” Salud said.
“Our constitution mandates us to be involved in the development of Philippine basketball and to
encourage greater participation in the game by opening new areas of competition.”

With its passage with the governors all but guaranteed, the D-League is looking at a February or March launch. No name has yet been mentioned as a possible tournament director.

A non-PBA company, Healthwell Nutraceuaticals, reportedly has also sent word of its interest to
join.

Just recently, PBA chairman Rene Pardo said the D-League has been approved in principle with Salud tasked to refine the mechanics for their formal approval.

“The consensus was that we need a jump-off league for amateurs looking to go up to the PBA,”
said Pardo. “The board made some inputs for the commissioner to consider.”