THERE were plenty of nostalgic moments when the widescreen flashed video clips of the PBA’s glorious past on a gloomy Monday afternoon at the TV5 Launchpad in Mandaluyong.
Pro league legend Allan Acidic sat at the far end of the long table of the PBA and its broadcast partner’s officials—including Willie Marcial and chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT.
For sure, exciting times are ahead.
“Iyong 50th anniversary, ito po ay magsisimula na semifinals (of the 49th season Commissioner’s Cup),” Marcial said. “Mapapansin ninyo patches muna iyong players natin, referees, coaches, tayo. Isusuot at ipapakita na natin para sa fans natin.”
In a grand celebration of its golden anniversary, the PBA officially unveiled a new logo for its 50th season.
The all-gold emblem commemorates Asia’s first play-for-pay league’s five-decade journey, featuring the letters “PBA50” in gold, with the silhouette of a dribbling player now in black. It symbolizes the league’s rich history, dating back to its inception in 1975, and its status as the pioneer of professional basketball in Asia.
The PBA Board, led by Vargas and Marcial, was joined by deputy commissioner Eric Castro, as well as TV5 and Cignal executives, including Jane Basas, Guido Zaballero, and Sienna Olaso.
Caidic also graced the event as part of the selection panel for the 10 additional players who will complete the league’s prestigious “50 Greatest” list.
Marcial emphasized that the logo launch marks the beginning of the league’s golden anniversary celebration, culminating on April 9 with the announcement of the 10 new players joining the 50 Greatest List.
This milestone celebration will feature a packed schedule of events leading up to the highly anticipated opening of 50th season on Oct. 5.
Among the highlights is a rare homecoming of former players, officials, executives, and other personalities who have contributed to the league’s legacy. Fans can also look forward to the unveiling of a new championship trophy.
Additionally, the PBA announced a series of fan engagement activities, including mall and school tours featuring all 12 teams and their players, the “Adopt-a-Court” program, and the return of “Homecourt,” where the league will make surprise visits to basketball courts in various barangays across the National Capital Region.
“Iyong mga hindi po narating ng balita natin at sa social media na personalities, puwede silang tumawag sa PBA 50 Hotlines 0968-4471975 at 0968-2535050,” Marcial said.
Golden at 50 years old since it first opened shop, the PBA is out to scale new heights.
Listen to Vargas: “PBA 50, solid tayo dito,” he said.
