PBA reaffirms commitment of support to Olympics berth-seeking Gilas
LAS VEGAS, United States — PBA Season 50 will be a long season stretching over 15 months as the pro league is committed to backing Gilas Pilipinas in major international campaigns, with hopes of making the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“This will be the PBA’s longest season,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial of the league’s golden season kicking off October 5 and ending around December, 2026, with breaks to give way to Gilas’ games, including the mission to defend the Asian Games crown in Nagoya, Japan.
The PBA is also taking breathers during the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying windows in November this year and in February, June, August and November next year.
“We want to qualify to the Olympics,” said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, meaning the pro league is to throw full support to the Tim Cone-mentored national team with a cast from the PBA, including June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome.
To have a shot at a stint in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Gilas must qualify to the 2027 World Cup and be the top finisher from among all the Asian teams.
The last time in the 2024 Paris Games, the honors went to Japan after a crucial 98-88 come-from-behind win over Finland during the World Cup group play at home in Okinawa.
“We’re all-in in our support to our chairman and going with it is our support to Gilas,” said PBA vice chairman Alfrancis Chua, hoping Vargas’ wish comes true.
Incidentally, Vargas will serve as the chef de mission of Team Philippines in the 2028 LA Games, and he’s started his job by scouting prospective accommodation for Filipino athletes in his trip to Los Angeles before hopping over to this desert leisure city for the PBA planning session at the MGM Grand Resort Hotel.
Members of the board, including Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, Jason Webb of Magnolia, Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Ronald Dulatre of NLEX, Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix, Mert Mondragon of Rain or Shine, Silliman Sy of Blackwater, Archen Cayabyab of Converge and Erick Arejola of NorthPort, are realistic Gilas needs all possible support to be able to make the World Cup for a fourth straight time.
“Mabigat na tulong ang kailangan, at kasama kami sa magbibigay ng suporta,” said Marcial.
For the group play of the qualifiers alone, Gilas will have tough mountains to climb versus Australia and New Zealand. Guam completes the group.
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