The PBA’s Dream of Having its Own Coliseum is Still Alive

There was once a dream for the Philippine Basketball Association to have its own coliseum. More than three decades later, that remains as it is — a dream.

The idea originally stemmed when the league still had Sta. Lucia Realty as one of the participating franchises and Buddy Encarnado serving as league chairman. It wasn’t surprising that the league sought the help of the realty company in identifying land area where the coliseum would be put erected.

Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala recalled how this ambitious plan started during his time as league commissioner:

“We first planned the PBA coliseum in 2006. I started to work on that with several proposed locations, including Taguig, where SM Aura is now situated, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City,” he said in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR Magazine.

 “I had advanced discussions with Quezon City LGU where Ayala North Vertis is now situated,” Eala continued. “We started discussions on this in the PBA board as well, including ownership structure, management of coliseum, and design. The plan was shelved when I left the PBA in 2007.”

The veteran broadcaster added the board wasn’t able to discuss the seating capacity of the coliseum, but wanted to make it a state-of-the-art structure that should be emulated.

“We were not able to discuss the seating capacity,” added Eala. “But some team owners were already suggesting designs. One team owner wanted this to be an iconic structure in Metro Manila.” 

Fast forward to 20 years later and the PBA is now revisiting plans of owning its own coliseum and is coordinating with the Philippine Sports Commission for referral and support of turning what has long been a dream into tangible reality.

Over the past few years, the PBA had been renting venues owned by the government sports agency, which include the Philsports Arena, a regular home of the PBA from 1985 to 1992,  the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Bigger venues like the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena were usually reserved mostly for the UAAP and Premier Volleyball League, which have attracted more spectators through the years,  and the reality is, the PBA could only get opportunities to host in these larger-scale arenas during the playoffs or finals, with games involving crowd-drawing Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, Magnolia, Rain or Shine and TNT.

The UAAP is also currently already building their own arena.

The PBA is actively pursuing plans to build its own 5-hectare arena in Diliman, Quezon City, through a collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the University of the Philippines, which PBA Chairman Vargas confirmed in an exclusive interview.

“Yes, it’s true. We are in serious talks,” wrote Vargas. “I have not given up on my dream for a home for the PBA.” 

This homecourt is designed to end the league’s costly dependence on rented commercial venues. By estimate, the league has been spending roughly P43 to P45 million per year in renting commercial arenas to stage its games.  

The 5-hectare plot in Diliman is located near the Philcoa building and the Ayala Land TechnoHub facilities.

The proposed coliseum would include dedicated features like a practice gym, fitness center, and PBA merchandising area. 

Vargas is upbeat that the PBA can push through with its plans with the support of PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, also a former PBA executive and league chairman.

“We’re pushing hard for this. With PSC Chairman Pato’s support, it’s very doable,” added Vargas, who could cement his legacy as league chairman should the deal of having the PBA’s own coliseum materializes.