The popularity of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is slowly waning. This was made obvious when Commissioner Willie Marcial admitted that the prospective host for the All-Star games is unavailable to hold the midseason extravaganza on the dates intended by the league.
It was planned to be held after the May elections but the Board eventually cancelled as much altogether and save all efforts for next season instead.
"Kasi ‘yung kausap nating probinsya, hindi sila pupwede sa mga dates na ‘yun," he said recently. "Dapat after elections, 16-17 ata. Hindi sila pupwede."
The PBA was supposed to hold its 33rd All-Stars on 2-4 May in Davao but the league backed out as it cited security concerns in the province.
Discussions among the top brass came subsequently, figuring out whether or not they’d transfer to another city or put the plans in the shelf.
Marcial & Co. spoke to an LGU — which he chooses to not identify — about the potential staging of the All-Stars in their city but talks fell through.
Holding as much in a much later date was also thought of but the league would be too pressed for time as it may disrupt the Season 49 Philippine Cup.
"Pag umabot tayo ng mga July, Finals na," Marcial said as the conference's eliminations won’t end until June. "So most probably mawala ang All-Star."
The league chieftain, though, reaffirmed that they will still contribute to the players’ trust fund despite the 2025 All-Stars being ruled out.
"Pero sa trust fund, magbibigay pa rin," Marcial said.
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