PBA eyes May 18 restart of full scrimmages

The plans of PBA to open shop this June got a major boost after the IATF issued a go-signal for the league to allow teams to hold full scrimmages in areas under less strict quarantine measures.

Commissioner Willie Marcial on Friday said they are now eyeing to allow clubs to return to training by May 18 at the earliest pending his meeting with team representatives sometime next week.

Marcial added that they will implement an updated set of protocols where players and other stakeholders will have to undergo swab testing seven and two days before the training proper.

"The swab testing system will now be different. Seven days before, they will undergo testing then two days before practices, they will get tested," Marcial said in a virtual press conference.

"I will call a meeting with players, coaches, and team managers by next week to discuss these protocols," he added.

Marcial is currently in Batangas to inspect possible venues where a number of teams could hold training. According to the commissioner, Batangas City Coliseum, Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University met the league standards and could therefore host the team's practices.

Discussions with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) could also fast-track the return to training as the agency will help the league in mapping out the protocols for a safe and virus-free season.

"We need to talk with GAB first, maybe this Monday, in order to discuss the protocols. So if by May 10, the teams have started their swab testing, then we can really start by May 18," he said.

Marcial, meanwhile, ruled out the possibility of holding tune-up games between teams as it could increase the chances of players or coaches contracting the virus.

"Let's just take it one step at a time and we'll get there. For us, it's safety above everything else," he said.

—MGP, GMA News