PBA completes IATF presentation, awaits go-signal for Season 46 opening

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is now waiting on the IATF to see if they could be able to open Season 46 this month.

League commissioner Willie Marcial revealed that he met with the technical working group (TWG), composed of more or less 40 government officials, on Wednesday and said the ball is now on the IATF's court on whether the PBA can launch the season within July.

He also said the final decision may come on Monday at the latest.

"I presented yesterday to the IATF, the technical working group, so now, we're just waiting for their decision," Marcial told GMA News Online on Thursday.

"I think the decision will come this Monday at the latest but we're positive with our presentation. We're positive that the season will open within this month in NCR."

Marcial said if the IATF gives them the green light, they would only need around two weeks to set everything up.

He added that they are eyeing to stage the Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig since it's still within the National Capital Region, while also saying that the Ynares Center in Antipolo City is still being considered.

Fans, however, will still be barred from attending in the venue.

If the PBA is able to successfully open the season in July, Marcial said that could open up the opportunity to stage a second conference where imports would be invited to reinforce the clubs.

"We're still on track for the two-conference format as long as we open the season this July. We just have to get going this July and hopefully everything goes well after that," he added.

Marcial has yet to divulge a specific target date but bared all teams are on board for the July launch.

"We're just taking it one step at a time and once we get the go-signal then we could start planning on what date we will open."

—JMB, GMA News