PBA’s 3-year ban: Protecting teams or limiting players?

There’s a significant development in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the Board of Governors has approved a new rule that imposes a three-year ban on players who refuse to sign or re-sign with their mother teams and instead choose to play in other leagues, whether local or international.

Approved during the board meeting on July 17, 2025, the rule applies to both rookie draftees and veteran players. It is effective immediately and aims to preserve competitive balance and roster stability, amid the growing number of Filipino players seeking opportunities abroad.

Key Provisions:

• A rookie who declines the Uniform Player Contract (UPC) from his drafting team and chooses to play elsewhere will be barred from returning to the PBA for three years, starting from the date the offer was made.
• A veteran who refuses to sign a new deal after his UPC expires and joins another league will also face a three-year ban.
• In both cases, the player’s rights remain with the mother team in perpetuity, unless traded.

The policy does not apply to players who:

• Do not receive a contract offer within 30 days of expiration.
• Qualify as Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) after completing seven years or 21 conferences in the league.

The new rule was introduced in response to a wave of recent departures by key players who played vital roles in their former PBA squads:

• Arvin Tolentino – signed with the Seoul SK Knights (KBL)
• Jamie Malonzo – joined Kyoto Hannaryz (B.League)
• William Navarro – signed with Busan KCC Egis (KBL)

All three are believed to have received offers from their PBA teams, making them subject to the new policy.

Another case in question is rookie Dave Ildefonso, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, who declined NorthPort’s offer and opted to play for the Abra Weavers in the MPBL instead.

Critics argue that the new policy may contradict Commissioner Willie Marcial’s earlier remarks supporting overseas stints—provided players fulfill their contractual obligations. In a June interview, Marcial said:

“Kung makakabuti sa kanila at sa pamilya nila, okay lang sa akin ‘yun. Basta tapusin nila ang kontrata.”

The rule has sparked a heated debate. Some see it as a necessary move to protect teams’ investments and preserve league integrity, while others believe it may hinder Filipino talent from pursuing global opportunities.

Is the rule preventing player growth and international exposure? Or is the PBA simply safeguarding its teams and long-term interests?

What impact will this bring to the league and its players? Only time will tell.