ABS-CBN denies pullout, vows full support to MBA

The management of ABS-CBN yesterday denied reports that it has withdrawn its support to the Metropolitan Basketball Association and instead assured the fans of the continued staging of the popular community-based league.

In fact, the giant broadcasting firm is currently coordinating with the team owners and the Commissioner’s Office with regard to the downsizing of the field from 14 to eight in the league’s effort to ensure its viability when it enters its fourth year next February.

"Although we recommended the right-sizing of the league in order to make it more viable, the 2001 season of the MBA will go on as scheduled and ABS-CBN will continue to lend its 100 percent support to all its teams," said MBA broadcast chairman Rolly Cruz.

Likewise, the ABS-CBN denied knowledge of talks for any form of a working relationship with the PBL reportedly summarily rejected by its chairman.

"There is definitely no official proposal for any tie-up between our leagues," said Cruz. "ABS-CBN has been assisting the MBA from its founding and through its initial stages so we see no cause for such a deal."

The MBA is looking to an even distribution of players and a more balanced competition in 2001. "The league is keeping its top-caliber players and the coaches are ready to sign up and develop new and exciting talents from the grassroots level," said Project Director Peter Musngi.