Larry Muyang’s PBA Ban Highlights the Growing Crack in the League’s Dominance
The PBA’s decision to indefinitely ban Larry Muyang for breach of contract is technically correct. But beneath this disciplinary action lies a deeper issue — one that the league can no longer ignore: the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is no longer just a developmental league. It has become a viable alternative and is slowly but surely chipping away at the PBA’s armor as the premier basketball league in the Philippines.
The Ban: A Matter of Contract
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement after meeting with Muyang, who was found playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL despite still being under contract with Phoenix Super LPG until the end of May. As a result, he was slapped with an indefinite ban from the PBA and could potentially face a lawsuit if Phoenix opts to pursue legal action for breach of contract.
Under the PBA’s newly enforced rule, even if the player’s mother team agrees to a return, the player must still appeal to the PBA Board of Governors for reinstatement — a more formal process reflecting the league’s seriousness about contractual obligations.
From a legal standpoint, the PBA is right. Contracts must be honored. Players can’t simply suit up for another team in a different league while bound to a professional agreement. It sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecked.
The Bigger Picture: Why Did Muyang Do It?
But the ban opens a much more uncomfortable conversation for the PBA: Why did Larry Muyang feel the need to play in the MPBL while still under a PBA contract? That question echoes through locker rooms, agent meetings, and social media threads.
The answer likely lies in playing time, exposure, and income. In the PBA, Muyang was buried on the bench with Phoenix. In the MPBL, he was a contributor for one of the league’s most visible teams. Whether it's to stay in shape, be seen by fans, or simply continue doing what he loves — play basketball — the MPBL provided Muyang something the PBA couldn’t at that moment.
MPBL: The Disruptor
Founded by Senator Manny Pacquiao, the MPBL has grown beyond expectations. It now features a long regular season, TV and streaming exposure, grassroots support, and competitive salaries for select players. It is no longer just a league for provincial stars and veterans looking for one last run. It has become a true alternative for basketball careers — a second platform for growth, visibility, and relevance.
This is where the PBA now faces its biggest challenge. While it remains the top-tier professional league, its grip on talent is not as tight as it once was. The MPBL offers a fresh start to players who are underutilized, underpaid, or outright overlooked in the PBA. And with increasing fan engagement and regional pride driving interest, its influence is undeniable.
Conclusion: Time for the PBA to Reflect
Yes, the ban on Muyang may have been justified from a rules standpoint. But the very existence of the violation shows that cracks are forming in the foundation. The PBA can continue to enforce its rules, but it must also modernize its approach to player development, utilization, and satisfaction if it wants to retain its top talent.
Otherwise, the next Larry Muyang won’t just be a player playing in another league while under contract — he might be a young star choosing another league entirely.
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