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Philippine Super League President Philip Ella Juico revealed on Tuesday that most team owners do not want to turn professionals right now in light of the recent situation in local sports amid the pandemic.
Juico said they keep their options open, but turning pro will depend on the situation.
“Maybe (we could become professionals). It depends on the situation, although seven of the eight owners on our team recently said we shouldn’t go down that path. We have to stay where we are, ”Juico told the Philippine Sports Writers Association virtual forum.
The sentiments came after GAB Chairman Baham Mitra recently encouraged semi-professional leagues to turn pro with the joint resolution between the GAB and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). that marks the line between the professional and amateur leagues.
Mitra, however, reiterated that they are not forcing any league to turn professional, but recalled that according to the resolution, any athlete who is paid and does not play for the flag and country qualifies as a professional.
Meanwhile, the league hopes to hold its three-conference regular season in addition to the beach volleyball tournament next year pending IATF approval.
The first conference will be held in February or March, the second in June or July, and the third in October.
Right now, they have been looking for playgrounds that meet IATF specifications.
The league is also open to holding a bubble-concept type of tournament similar to the NBA and PBA, but it would depend on the situation.
“The IATF will have to tell us (if we need to have a bubble tournament or not), but it is going to be very difficult. If you are under a bubble concept, of course, it is a major expense for everyone. This could mean we have to redo our plans and consult with other people and team owners, ”Juico said.
At the moment, the IATF only allows professional basketball, soccer, 3 × 3 basketball and boxing leagues to host tournaments.
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