Wikipedia - PBA D-League

The PBA D-League, or PBA Developmental League, is the official minor league of the Philippine Basketball Association.

History

The PBA D-League was conceptualized after the collapse of the proposed merger between the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas after the staging of the Tournament of the Philippines which was composed by PBL and Liga Pilipinas teams. PBA Commissioner Chito Salud proposed the formation of a PBA D-League, which will fill the void left by the PBL. On January 25, 2011, the PBA Board of Governors approved the proposal.[]

The maiden tournament, named "Foundation Cup" began on March 12, 2011 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan. The tournament composed of 13 teams, with five teams (Junior Powerade, NLEX, Maynilad, Freego and Cafe France) having affiliation with existing PBA teams. Four teams (Cobra Energy Drink, Agri-Nature Inc./FCA, Pharex, and Cafe France) from the Philippine Basketball League filed for application in the PBA D-League, when they failed to acquire a sixth team in order to smoothly run the league. The NLEX Road Warriors became the champions of the tournament, winning two games to none against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.

The second tournament, dubbed as the "Aspirant's Cup" began on October 20. Four teams (Maynilad, Junior Powerade, Max Bond and Pharex) did not join the tournament. However, two new teams (Boracay Rum and Informatics) made their debut in the D-League.

The D-League has held its own rookie draft since the 2013–14 PBA season.

In August 2015, the PBA approved plans for a nationwide D-League and a Women's D-League that will open soon. From 2016, the men's competition was first to be held in three separate, simultaneous tournaments, first in Luzon and later in the Visayas and Mindanao. The three regional champions would join the national championship round which would be joined by Metro Manila teams. However the plan was never fully realized with the Northern Luzon tournament never finished and the Visayas tournament cancelled.

The 2020 season was indefinitely postponed in March 2020 with only some games of the Aspirants Cup played before the season was cancelled altogether in September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league has not held games as of 2021. The resumption of the D-League has been hampered by the fact that league heavily relies on school-based teams.

The Philippines PBA D-League is a highly anticipated basketball tournament held in the Philippines. It serves as a developmental league for aspiring professional basketball players, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the prestigious Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The tournament features teams from various universities, colleges, and club teams across the country, creating a competitive and exciting atmosphere. These teams are composed of young and talented players who are eager to prove themselves on the court.

The Philippines PBA D-League is known for its fast-paced and high-intensity games, showcasing the country's passion for basketball. The tournament follows a round-robin format, where teams compete against each other in a series of matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

The tournament not only focuses on the players' on-court performance but also emphasizes their personal and professional development. It provides a nurturing environment for players to enhance their skills, learn from experienced coaches, and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.

The Philippines PBA D-League has become a breeding ground for future basketball stars, with many players successfully transitioning to the professional level in the PBA. It has produced notable talents who have gone on to represent the Philippines in international competitions and make a name for themselves in the basketball world.

Fans eagerly anticipate the Philippines PBA D-League, as it offers an opportunity to witness the emergence of promising young talents and witness thrilling basketball action. The tournament not only entertains but also serves as a platform for the growth and development of Philippine basketball.