SPORTS | March 16,
2018
 |
| The official logo of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons) |
March 7, 1998 was not just any ordinary day as the date marked the
beginning of a new revolution in the Philippine basketball scene, and that
would be the birth of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). On that
particular day, the league's first games were held in Lingayen, Pangasinan
considering it was new to the masses. But it would eventually spark a new
craving for Filipino basketball lovers during its time.
The MBA was slated to compete against the Philippine Basketball Association
(PBA) with the advent of provincial teams, an open-door policy for foreigners,
and uniquely innovative developments such as the 23-second shot clock. Every
time the MBA visits a town or city for its games, there are many unusual things
that no one today didn't expect before and after gametime and only those who
have known the MBA may be the right ones to share some experiences if you ask
them.
The MBA has gained a wider audience during its time, thanks to the
support and expertise of the league's broadcast partner ABS-CBN, and reckoned
to give the PBA a run for its money though Asia's premiere pro basketball
league remains intact amidst competition. In July 2001, the Metropolitan Basketball
Association shut itself down due to lack of funds and support following its
2000-2001 season while the PBA persevered and continue to gain traction from
Filipino audiences.
