PBA eyeing to replicate safe, successful NBA 'bubble'

CLARK, Pampanga – The NBA has laid down the carpet, and it’s PBA's turn now to walk through it and achieve the same success of finishing the bubble safe and sound until December.

That’s the challenge and pressure, which have just been magnified for the Asia’s oldest professional league today after the NBA completed its three-month bubble in Orlando, Florida.

“All eyes are on us, trying to size our model which we also did with the NBA. It’ very important that we succeed. Success means staying healthy, putting a good, exciting tournament and executing the game plan, not only of our teams, but the league,” said NLEX head coach and former Pampanga vice governor Yeng Guiao.

“We’re all rooting to finish this safely.”

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial echoed the same sentiments, calling for continuous prayers and support for the bubble success after a smooth opener at the Angeles University Foundation Gym over the weekend.

“It’s a big thing for us. Sana magtuloy-tuloy po. We hope to bring hope, inspiration and happines to our countrymen,"  added Marcial on the PBA Bubble that will last for two months here.

Like the NBA, the PBA will also accommodate at least 250 virtual fans every game on seven large LED screens around the arena starting October 19 after its dry run this week in partnership with TV5 and SMART.