The Countrywide Basketball League is just around the corner, but not many
Filipino sports enthusiasts and basketball fans didn't know that the league is
still alive while some never cared about the underwhelming local league. Well, it
seems to me that more sports buffs should learn not only about the impending
opening of the league, but also all about it in general.
For those who have followed my stories, you have initially learned
about the league's return especially its new broadcast partner Solar Entertainment
Corporation. Now, thanks to Abante Sports' exclusive interview with league
founder and managing director Coach Joe Lipa, here's what you need to know
about the CWBL in the form of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
1. What is CWBL and why is
it named Country-Wide?
The Countrywide Basketball League puts focus on regions of the Philippines
and its provinces. The league is pitting teams from different regions and provinces
against each other with players and coaches coming from their own hometown. At
the same time, it will provide opportunity for fans to watch and support their own
local team playing against teams from other provinces.
2. What makes CWBL different
from other basketball leagues?
Well, for starters, every team participating in the league represent
the city or province where it is formed and there are no foreign imports
playing in these teams simply because the CWBL is an all-Filipino league. The
games will be played in a home-and-away format where a local team will be visited
by other teams while touring based on its schedule. Finally, for starters,
there should be one over-all champion by the end of the entire season
considering that the CWBL does not need to have conferences. With that in mind,
it looks like that this is what makes the underwhelming local basketball league
unique among others.
3. How many teams are
participating in the CWBL?
There will only be six teams in the league's initial season which will
come from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. More teams will be added in forthcoming
seasons depending on the reception of the said period. As in any business, initial
success comes first before expansion which is what the CWBL Board is trying to
achieve.
4. Where will CWBL televise
its games?
My previous article about its surprising return stated that the CWBL
has tapped Solar Entertainment Corporation as its new broadcast partner. It is
confirmed from Coach Joe Lipa that all the games will be aired on Basketball TV
as well as on the Internet via live streaming. Furthermore, basketball buffs may
catch up on the games and watch interviews on the players on the league's
official website.
