PBA Loophole? Teams Using 'Free Agent' Tag to Keep Stars Without Losing Roster Spots
In a move that has become more common—and more controversial—Rain or Shine has placed veteran big man Beau Belga on the Unrestricted Free Agent with Rights to Salary (UFAWR2RS) list, citing health concerns. While the move appears sound on the surface, it’s part of a growing trend among PBA teams that many fans believe exposes a troubling loophole in league rules.
Belga, 38, recently experienced dizziness and had to exit during the second quarter of Rain or Shine’s game against TNT. To protect his health, the team has decided to rest him indefinitely while activating Nick Demusis to take his place on the active roster for their upcoming clash against Phoenix.
From a health and player-welfare standpoint, it’s a commendable move. However, the bigger picture is far more complex.
The Loophole: A Roster Trick?
Belga becomes the third veteran in recent weeks to be listed under the UFAWR2RS tag, following Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio and TNT’s Jayson Castro. All three are not just ordinary players—they are pillars of their respective franchises, longtime fan favorites, and certified winners.
Under current league rules, teams can park these players on the UFAWR2RS list to open up roster spots while still paying their salaries. The unwritten agreement? Other teams won’t dare sign these players, even though technically, as unrestricted free agents, they could.
In theory, this system is meant to help aging or injured players continue receiving their dues without penalizing teams needing active bodies. But in practice, it’s starting to look like a workaround that benefits the big-money franchises, allowing them to have their cake and eat it too.
Will Anyone Break the Code?
The elephant in the room: Will any team dare challenge the “gentleman’s agreement” and sign one of these marquee names?
So far, no team has tried. But what’s stopping a struggling franchise from reaching out to someone like Belga, Castro, or Tenorio? Their resumes alone would boost ticket sales, jersey movement, and competitive legitimacy.
For now, it seems fear of backlash—or potential consequences behind the scenes—has kept teams in check.
But as fans get more aware and vocal, this kind of “roster parking” is starting to raise eyebrows. In a league that has long battled accusations of imbalances and power consolidation, this trend adds another layer of doubt to the fairness of the playing field.
Conclusion: Another Sad Exploit of the System
Beau Belga absolutely deserves the time to heal and the respect his service commands. But the way teams are now using the UFAWR2RS designation feels less about welfare and more about retaining control while dodging league limitations.
The sad reality? It’s another reminder that rich teams in the PBA have found yet another loophole—one that smaller teams may not be able to use with the same ease.
Until someone dares to challenge the status quo, it remains an unspoken truth: in the PBA, some rules apply differently depending on who you are.
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