SBP executive Sonny Barrios explains how Team USA's trip to PH for the World Cup came together, and how Filipinos can afford watching it.
Were you wondering how the Philippines secured the hosting duties for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Group Phase?
When asked about how the process unfolded, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios said it was virtually automatic that they chose Team USA. That’s why they did their part with due diligence in making sure that their request would be granted.
“Alam natin na in terms of following. Sila (USA) ‘yung maraming following. The mindset, especially of our big boss, Mr. [Manny] Pangilinan, is kung puwede ‘yung magbibigay ng malaking kasiyahan sa mga fans natin ang makalaro dito so, we made that request very early on," the SBP official said in an interview on the sports show The Game.
Since the knockout rounds and the championship are set to take place in the country, the Philippines can be considered as the main host of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. With that, Barrios felt confident about FIBA’s favorable response to SBP.
“Mabuti naman at napagbigyan tayo. I’d like to think we deserve the favorable accommodation. After all, we are the lead co-host. We are hosting fifty percent of the 32 teams in the Group Phase. We are hosting all the playoff games, from the quarters to the championship. So, tingin ko naman we deserve na mapagbigyan.”
Filipino basketball fans all over the internet are already anticipating that the seat prices for the game’s most prestigious tournament might be too expensive for their budget. With that in mind, we thought the most interesting bit of the interview was when the General Admission tickets were mentioned.
“Truthfully, we are more excited for our fans. Kaya nga ‘yung instruction sa amin ng top management is ‘yung General Admission tickets ay as much as possible [would be] reasonably priced comparatively speaking to the reserved seats or the premiums seats para mas marami sa mga kababayan natin ang makapanood live,” he added.
The intention to lower the prices for the GA tickets is welcome news for every Filipino hoop fan who’s hoping to see their hardwood heroes in person come 2023. So, to the SBP and Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, please let it be.