PBA, Korean Basketball League to engage in talks to strengthen relationship, discuss possible player exchanges

The Hallyu wave in the Philippines may expand into sports as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) eyes to engage in talks with the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, in a virtual forum with the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Tuesday, said the KBL has reached out to the PBA to strengthen the two leagues' friendship.

"Sinulatan tayo ng presidente ng KBL, binabati tayo niya na natapos natin 'yung liga natin, successful. Gusto niya ng cooperation and strengthening relationship, friendship ang sinabi niya doon," Marcial said, referring to KBL president Kim Hee-ok.

(The president of KBL wrote to us and congratulated the recently finished conference and its success. He wants to cooperate and strengthen the two leagues' relationship and friendship.)

Marcial said Kim wants the KBL and PBA to talk about a possible program on exchange of players.

"Gusto niya, mag-usap ang PBA at KBL kung papaano magpalitan ng players, kung anong puwede. Maganda 'yun," he added.

(He wants the PBA and KBL to talk about exchange of players. It's good.)

Marcial said he has reached out to the Board of Governors regarding KBL's plan and got the approval of league chairman Ricky Vargas to engage with the Korean league.

Back in August 2021, the KBL said it will expand its Asian Player Quota for the 2022 season.

The PBA also recently forged a multi-year partnership with the East Asia Super League to allow ball clubs to compete with teams from leagues in neighboring countries such as the KBL, Japan Professional Basketball League, and the Chinese Taipei P.League +.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News