So much popularity that it has "technically" killed one of the oldest living amateur basketball leagues, the Philippine Basketball League (PBL or formerly known as the PABL).

At least this is what seems to be the case after original teams such as Cobra Energy Drink and Pharex jumped ship and joined the PBA D-League. Two new teams also made the switch with Café France and Ani-FCA likewise going to the PBA-sanctioned developmental league.

With that said, it seems that all eyes will now be shifting to the PBA D-League at the expense of the PBL. Prior to the shift, there had already been teams who were lined up at the D-League.

The confirmed teams included Powerade, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways, Black Water/Ever Bilena, City of Antipolo, Handyfix/Max Bond, RnW Pacific Pipes and PC Gilmore.

Sad as it may seem, the PBL is likely to fold with the lack of participating teams. Appointed Commissioner Nolan Bernardino, son of the late Jun Bernardino, stressed that the PBL would need 6 teams to operate.

Players aged 17 to 26 will be allowed to play for teams in the PBA D-League. The opening of the league gives players who were cut another chance at honing their skills and possibly another shot at the PBA someday.

The D-League, modeled after that of the NBA D-League, will also help reserve players develop their skills rather than limit themselves as practice players or reserves for competing PBA teams at the moment.

The PBA D-League is set to open on March 12, 2011 at the Arena in San Juan.

Brian Yalung, Manila Bulletin