(Photo courtesy PBA)
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is moving closer to realizing its long-standing plan to establish a permanent home court through a partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the University of the Philippines (UP).
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial disclosed the development during the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas national congress in Quezon City on Tuesday, saying discussions on the proposed arena have made significant progress.
The project involves coordination among PBA officials, PSC Chairperson Patrick Gregorio, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.
Meralco governor Bill Pamintuan, Magnolia governor Jason Webb, and Phoenix governor Raymond Zorilla are among the PBA representatives involved in the negotiations.
The proposed arena will be constructed on UP-owned land along Commonwealth Avenue, near the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub in Quezon City.
According to Marcial, the facility is expected to accommodate approximately 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, providing the league with a dedicated venue for its games and other basketball events.
“Naka ilang meeting na rin ‘yung committee. Si Secretary Remulla ang nagpi-preside,” Marcial said, referring to the series of meetings conducted by the committee overseeing the project.
He added that the parties are awaiting the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) before proceeding with the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Hinihintay na lang namin mag-pirmahan ng MOA bago ‘yung groundbreaking,” he said.
Under the proposed arrangement, the PBA and UP will share the facility, allowing the university to use the arena for major institutional activities, including graduation ceremonies.
The project is expected to provide the PBA with a permanent venue, reducing its reliance on existing arenas such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, Philsports Arena, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and other venues in Rizal.
Marcial acknowledged that construction could extend beyond his tenure as commissioner but expressed satisfaction with helping advance the project.
“Ako ok na sa groundbreaking,” he said.
Once finalized, the agreement will mark a significant step toward establishing the PBA’s first dedicated home arena while providing UP with an additional venue for major university events.
