MPBL looks to turn pro, relaxes eligibility rules for Fil-foreigners

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is tipped to undergo some facelift as it returns this December with an invitational tournament set to be handled by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas spokesperson Mark Zambrano said league officials together with team managers and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) will conduct a meeting regarding MPBL's decision to turn professional.

Despite this change, MPBL shared that PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes will retain his position as the league commissioner.

"May mga players na nag-struggle talaga this pandemic. Patience is a virtue talaga at naghintay ng tamang panahon ang MPBL para ma-reignite ang ating liga," said Duremdes.

(There were players who struggled with this pandemic. Patience is a virtue and MPBL really waited for the right time to reignite the league.)

"This is the best time na matagal ng hinihintay ng ating mga fans at ng ating mga players."

(This is the best time that our fans and the player waited for.)

MPBL is also looking to implement less stringent eligibility rules on Filipino-foreigners who will only be needing a Philippine passport now in order to see action in the league. In addition, MPBL has also scrapped its height restrictions on Fil-foreigners.

Previously, players above 6-foot-5 height limit were barred to suit up.

"Ang involvement po ng Chooks-to-Go is a little bit more expanded coming from a title sponsorship. Now, ang hawak na po ng Chooks-to-Go ay ang operations of the league. This will still be done in cooperation and partnership with both our league founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao and the office of commissioner Kenneth Duremdes," said Zambrano.

(The involvement of Chooks-to-Go is a little bit more expanded coming from a title sponsorship. Now, it is also responsible for the league operations. This will still be done in cooperation and partnership with both our league founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao and the office of commissioner Kenneth Duremdes)

"There will be changes but these changes will all be good for the league. — LA, GMA News