PBA considers setting up 'bubble' in QC, Clark or Calamba

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is now exploring the idea of a "bubble" setup for the resumption of its 45th season.

In an online forum with the Philippine Sportswriters Association, PBA Board of Governors chairman Ricky Vargas on Tuesday said they are eyeing Quezon City, Laguna or Pampanga as possible venues.

"May model na eh. The model is the NBA," Vargas said. "We should just go ahead and look forward to the time na maglalaro tayo, whether it's the NBA way or a more innovative way."

He said some of his fellow governors are also excited with the idea of a bubble to restart the league, which was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

TNT KaTropa governor said venue options include the Inspire Sports Academy in National University Laguna and the Araneta Coliseum with the nearby hotels.

While the idea of a bubble seems exciting, the PBA chair said they have to consider the league's finances, as well as the health protocols they need to put in place.

"Di ba 'yung NBA din has strict protocols. Almost everyday tine-test sila. We have to take a look at it seriously also," said Vargas.

"We will have to take in our own financials kung pwede sagutin ng PBA or if it will be shared by the teams. These are important issues to be discussed," he added.

The league plans to conduct team scrimmages by September and eyes its restart of games by October.

Some teams have already started their conditioning workouts following the release of COVID-19 test results. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News