PBA Controversy: This is the solution to the #1 problem of the PBA!

For the first time in a while, the Philippine Basketball Association is facing a rival that is forcing them to stutter and change their ways.

Japan B League and other International leagues are enticing all of the homegrown Pinoy ballers and those that are coming from other countries.

Of course, the players should not be blamed if they choose to play in International leagues. They have families to feed. From the Ravena brothers up to Dwight Ramos, they deserved to play in the league that they want to play in.

Thinking of a solution is actually not easy. Even the guys in Spin.ph were having trouble in coming up with a viable one during their podcast last Tuesday.

But, there is actually a long-term solution. A solution that will lead the league to a path of being able to compete with the International league.

Sell all the farm teams to legitimate franchises. If the reports are true that the demand for a PBA franchise is increasing, then replacing the farm squads with real competitive teams will pave the way to a better future for the league.

Let me explain why.

Remember that we now have the East Asia Super League wherein the PBA will actually compete with Japan, Korea and other leagues in Asia. 

I am bullish about this league because they have been taking the right steps. In short, I can see EASL becoming a top 5 league in the world in the future.

So, winning that league will be prestigious and will help a lot in the marketing of a company. With that, I expect it to actually increase the competitiveness of the teams currently in the PBA.

But, that competitiveness will not be maximized with the presence of the farm teams. I do not think the other big size conglomerates out there will enter the PBA if they know that they will face two competitors with huge advantages. 

So, removing those farm teams then will erase that unjust advantage and will promote a healthy and fierce competition.

That competition will naturally increase the spending of the teams. Which means higher salary for players.

The fierce competition can also help in retaining the players here in the country. The competitive juice is hard to fight against.

Removing those farm teams will also mean that the top amateur guys will not fear being drafted by teams who will not try to compete in the league. This is one of the reason why almost all of the top guys do not want to enter the draft.