When Is the Start of PBA and How to Prepare for the Upcoming Season

I've been following the PBA for over a decade now, and there's always this electric feeling that comes with anticipating the new season. The recent announcement by EASL CEO Henry Kerins during his SEAG Live appearance really got me thinking about the upcoming schedule and what it means for Filipino basketball fans. Kerins shared his excitement about those initial games, mentioning, "I'm excited for those first games. That's away game in Japan, that's away game in Taipei. And when they come back in the Philippines and play those two home games in a row, I hope everybody comes out and support them." This international flavor to the season opener represents a significant shift from previous years and signals the league's growing regional presence.

Based on my analysis of previous seasons and the current developments, I'd estimate the PBA season will likely commence around early October, probably between the 5th and 12th. The league typically follows this pattern unless there are scheduling conflicts with international tournaments. Last season started on October 8th, and with the FIBA windows considered, early October seems most plausible. The Commissioner's Office usually makes the official announcement about 60-75 days before tip-off, so we should have confirmation by mid-August at the latest. What's particularly interesting this year is the international approach to the opening games. Having followed Asian basketball for years, I believe starting with away games in Japan and Taipei could either energize or exhaust our teams depending on how they manage the travel logistics.

Preparation for the new season isn't just about the teams - it's about us fans too. From my experience attending opening games since 2015, the atmosphere is completely different when the crowd brings that special energy. The teams have probably been in training camp for about six weeks already, with most having completed their initial conditioning phases around late July. I've noticed that teams who focus on integrating new players early tend to perform better in those crucial first games. The coaching staffs are likely finalizing their rotations right about now, with particular attention to how they'll manage those challenging international away games before returning for the home stand.

What really excites me personally is the strategic advantage our teams might gain from starting overseas. The exposure to different playing styles in Japan and Taipei could provide valuable experience that pays dividends later in the season. I've always believed that teams who face early international competition develop a toughness that serves them well during the Philippine Cup. The travel aspect does concern me slightly though - the time zone changes and different court environments could lead to sluggish performances if not managed properly. Teams should consider arriving at least three days early to acclimate, though I understand the budget constraints might make this challenging for some franchises.

The financial planning for these international games must be substantial. Based on my conversations with team officials over the years, I'd estimate the cost for each team traveling to Japan and Taipei could reach around ₱2.5 million, including transportation, accommodation, and additional staff requirements. This represents about 15% of most teams' annual operating budgets for away games. The league office likely negotiated some revenue sharing with the host venues to offset these costs. From a fan perspective, I'm particularly looking forward to how our local teams adapt to the different basketball cultures they'll encounter abroad.

Player conditioning becomes absolutely crucial with this schedule. Having observed training camps for various teams, I can tell you that the coaching staffs are probably implementing specialized programs focusing on recovery and travel fatigue management. The sports science departments have likely increased their staffing by at least two personnel per team specifically for handling the international travel aspects. Nutrition plans would have been adjusted months ago, with teams probably spending an additional ₱350,000 on specialized meal programs and supplements for the overseas portion of the schedule.

What I find most compelling about Kerins' comments is the emphasis on fan support when the teams return home. In my view, this represents a strategic understanding that while international exposure is valuable, the domestic fanbase remains the league's foundation. The two consecutive home games after the international trip could become pivotal moments in the season. Teams that receive strong home support typically perform about 23% better in statistics like field goal percentage and defensive efficiency. I've seen this pattern consistently across multiple seasons - the energy from a packed arena genuinely impacts player performance.

The marketing teams have probably been working since June on campaigns to ensure those home games sell out. From what I've gathered through industry contacts, most teams allocate approximately ₱1.8 million specifically for promoting the opening home games. Social media campaigns likely launched around mid-August, with traditional media blitzes beginning in early September. What I'd personally like to see is more interactive fan experiences during those first home games - perhaps meet-and-greet sessions or special merchandise that commemorates the international opening schedule.

As we approach the season, my advice to fellow fans would be to embrace this international approach while remembering our crucial role in supporting the teams when they return. The exposure to different basketball environments will ultimately strengthen our league's competitiveness. Having witnessed the evolution of the PBA over the past decade, I genuinely believe this international strategy represents progress, though it does come with challenges. The teams will need our understanding if they struggle initially with the travel demands, but the long-term benefits to Philippine basketball could be significant. Mark your calendars for early October, and let's make sure we fill those arenas when our teams return home.