MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) announced on Monday, 2020 February 10, that it is rescheduling the opening of the league’s 45th season as a safety measure following cases of the novel coronavirus in the country.
Originally scheduled from March 1, the PBA opener was moved to March 8, still at the Araneta Coliseum.
The opening of the D-League was also rescheduled from February 13 to March 2 at the Paco Arena in Manila.
“It’s a preventive measure against nCoV,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said through the league’s website on Monday.
As of today, there have been 3 confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in the Philippines. Among the 3, there has been one death while the other two have been discharged.
There will be no changes to the activities on Day 1 in terms of the featured game.
The five-peat Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen take on the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in a rematch of last year’s finals clash.
The opening day will also be highlighted by the annual Leo Awards and the coronation of the league’s Most Valuable Player.
