Next PBA Draft moved to 2027

LAS VEGAS — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial has disclosed that with the 50th season extending to over 15 months starting in a few weeks, the next draft will be held in January 2027 or after the end of the UAAP season.

This year, Marcial requested UAAP to allow graduating seniors and one-and-done players to apply for the recent draft on condition they finish their varsity eligibility before turning pro. UAAP, however, turned it down. With the adjustment of the draft schedule, the transition of UAAP players to PBA is locked in. NCAA isn’t affected by the new schedule as it has allowed graduating players to enter the draft.

During the PBA Board of Governors planning meeting here, Marcial said a major rule change was approved regarding the last two minutes of every quarter. Previously, the rule was in the last two minutes of the fourth period or OT, a team enters the penalty on the second foul, regardless of whether it has accumulated the usual limit of five or not. Under the new rule, this will be in effect in the last two minutes of each quarter.

“Sa first three quarters, napansin namin na in the last minute or last few seconds na wala pa sa limit, sunud-sunod ang fouls para lang matigil ang opensa,” said Marcial. “Ngayon, ‘di na pwede ‘yan.” 

Marcial said several other rule changes were discussed at the planning meeting, particularly on how to align more with FIBA rules. Newly-designed Magnolia governor Jason Webb, a former PBA player and coach, was assigned to study the possible rule changes, including the shift from 12-minute to 10-minute quarters and eliminating jump balls for possession arrows. “Pagaaralan namin,” said Marcial. “‘Yung pag-bawas ng minutes per quarter, eight minutes ang mawawala sa game at apektado mga TV advertisers. ‘Yung possession arrows, pagaaralan din namin at mayroon mga situations na baka ‘di makatulong sa flow ng game.”