FROM the traditional playing arenas, the PBA 3×3 is shifting to a new setting with malls hosting its Third Conference hostilities.
First up will be the kickoff leg of the season-ending conference slated for May 21-22 at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City, the first stop of the planned mall circuits.
“We will be bringing the PBA 3×3 to the malls in the Third Conference,” PBA 3×3 chairman Richard Bachmann told The STAR. “This is the league’s way of bringing the games closer to basketball fans.”
According to commissioner Willie Marcial, the pro league has partnered with Robinsons for this endeavor.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 3×3 played the first two conferences of its inaugural season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City and Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Initially, the half-court matches were played in a closed-stadium setup but when the health situation improved and quarantine restrictions eased up, spectators were eventually allowed in.
The standalone three-a-side league seeks a successful end to its maiden season before going regional and bigger for Season 2.
“We are expecting more teams next season,” said Mr. Bachmann.
The PBA 3×3’s grand plans center around holding separate tournaments in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao leading up to a national championship. — Olmin Leyba