The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will open Season 48 in September next year to give way to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

This is in line with the league’s commitment to give Gilas Pilipinas the time it would need to prepare for the global conclave, which will be co-hosted by the Philippines with Japan and Indonesia on August 25-September 10.

The said season will only run two conferences, as agreed upon by the Board of Governors during their meeting Thursday at the PBA office in Libis.

“Okay ang board ng two conferences next season,” said Commissioner Willie Marcial. “Ang tinitingnan namin, magsisimula tayo September next year.”

The Philippine Cup is one of the two conferences to be played while the other is import-laden, similar to what the league ran in Season 46. It remains to be known, though, if it will be either the Commissioner’s or the Governors’.

Still to be discussed as well for Season 48 are the league’s other activities, such as the D-League and the PBA 3×3.

The ongoing Season 47 is projected to conclude by early May next year, and the said opening of the following tournament would give the national team months to gear up for the highly anticipated cage showpiece.

“Yan ang nakita rin natin na maitutulong natin sa Gilas. Iyang tulong natin, para sa preparasyon for 2023. ‘Yun ang talagang inaano ng Board,” Marcial said.

This, however, means that the league is taking a step since it has already reverted to the usual three-conference format this season.

Nevertheless, Marcial said that it is something the PBA Board is more than willing to take for the national team, thus his gratitude to all the ball clubs.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa mga team owners na kahit noon pa nung nagka-COVID tayo, sumuporta, tapos ito ulit, sumuporta ‘yung mga team owners natin para sa Gilas, para sa bayan,” he expressed.