PBA to allow true free agency for players after six years

The Philippine Basketball Association has approved a proposal allowing players with six playing years under their belt to choose their teams in free agency. But a member of the league’s Board of Governors told InterAKTV that the new rule will only apply to players drafted this season onwards.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud announced the new policy on Tuesday after a planning meeting with the board.

“After six years the players automatically become unrestricted free agents, with the right to negotiate with any team that wants their services,” said Salud.

Previously, the league gave a right of first refusal to each team when it comes to players whose contracts have expired. The teams were allowed to match any offer from other squads to their stars.

The right of first refusal rule had allowed players to keep its superstars away rivals, with the most popular case being that of Alvin Patrimonio, who signed a P25-million offer sheet with Pepsi in 1991, which his team Purefoods ended up matching.

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