THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is shifting to five-day play dates in the resumption of Season 46 Philippine Cup in Pampanga.
In a statement, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said "with this setup and if everything works well, baka magtuloy-tuloy na ang laro and we can finish the eliminations by September 19," adding that barring hitches all the way, the PH Cup is to end by the middle of October.
Marcial noted that the league is to hold games -- either a double-header or a triple-bill -- from Wednesday to Sunday, with Mondays reserved for RT-PCR tests for all individuals concerned.
The new schedule format includes the introduction of antigen testing in the morning of every game day to support the league's protocols to protect everyone from Covid-19 and the RT-PCR test every seven days.
Marcial said that team practices start Tuesday in three venues in preparation for play resumption possibly early next month. The 12 teams will be scattered in practice venues in the City of San Fernando, Mexico and Angeles, all in Pampanga. (JTD)