The PBA is giving Filipino fans in Bahrain a Christmas present as the league sends three teams to play in two game days in the Gulf nation.
The PBA is coming to Bahrain.
Commissioner Willie Marcial announced this development in a press conference at halftime of Game 5 of the Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT Wednesday, July 23.
Marcial said three teams will fly to Bahrain and play in a newly built arena on Dec. 15 and 17 in celebration of the league’s 50th anniversary.
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The PBA squads that will visit the Gulf nation are yet to be determined.
“Three teams, back-to-back (games) 'yong isa. We cannot [say] muna 'yong teams because of the schedule, but we already signed the contract,” said Marcial.
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Bahrain Basketball Association president Alaa Mudara expressed his delight in hosting the Philippine contingent on the day his country celebrates National Day.
“We’re very happy to host the PBA games in Bahrain,” Mudara said.
“[This is] for the PBA fans to enjoy watching them, especially for Filipinos who cannot come to the Philippines to watch these games."
Marcial also bared that the league will bring the games to Dubai in late October.