MPBL secures GAB nod as a professional league

Chooks-to-Go Sports and Marketing Director Mel Macasaquit, Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Mitra, and Chooks-to-Go MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes

The Games and Amusements Board has given its approval on Thursday for the newest professional league in the country, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

GAB Chairman Abraham Mitra says, "It's such an honor for all of us to have you. Madaming nangyari sa GAB over the past few years pero this is one of the biggest. Madami nagsasabi na masarap sa pakiramdam na magpropro na kami. Maraming nananaginip na maging professional players at makakamit na nila ito sa MPBL."

The league had maintained an amateur status since its inception in 2017, but with the recent decision by GAB and the Philippine Sports Commission regarding the status of professional and amateur leagues, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced it to rethink its position.

League commissioner Kenneth Duremdes shares, "Over the last two years, the players have been praying for the league to resume. During those two years, the league had a time to re-assess our direction. Through perseverence and patience, nandito na tayo. We are back with the help of our partner Chooks-to-Go and the guidance of GAB."

With the announcement, the upcoming Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament this coming December 11-23 will be its first as a professional.

In the run-up towards the start of the competition on  December 11, the 22 participating teams also secured their accreditation as professional teams, which came with the refresher on what the benefits are available in holding a GAB professional license.

They were also reminded of the efforts GAB has in place against game-fixing and point-shaving.

Mitra shares, "Because of Chooks-to-Go, the MPBL is turning professional. GAB will be here in making this tough path of restarting in a pandemic with you. We always believe in self-regulation. Kung ano yung pangangalakad nila, we will respect that." He continues, "We just want to remind everybody that we will not allow any game-fixing. Alam natin na yan nakakasira sa ating laro. Sa ating code of conduct, nakalagay dun na you have to disassociate yourself from game-fixing and point-shaving."

Duremdes adds, "We are now a pro league. With GAB with us, yung mga players na may binabalak, magisip-isip na sila. Once na magkaroon kayo ng bad image, it will be hard to get back."