PBA BARS DRAFT APPLICANTS WITH ACTIVE CONTRACTS IN OTHER LEAGUES

MANILA, Philippines–The PBA will no longer allow applicants to enter the Rookie Draft while having existing contracts in other leagues.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the decision after the measure was approved in a recent meeting by the league’s Board of Governors.

Marcial added that the rule is going to take effect in the Season 51 Rookie Draft in early-2027.

“Draftees should no longer have contracts from other leagues, so that you’ll get to play once you’re drafted,” Marcial said in Filipino as quoted in a story posted in the PBA’s official website.

Several players chosen in this season’s Draft had to finish their commitments in the MPBL before seeing action in the big league.

Among them were NLEX’s L-Jay Gonzales and JL Capulong and Rain or Shine’s Christian Manaytay.

But Terrafirma’s top overall pick Geo Chiu and Meralco’s seventh pick Jason Brickman were not able to play in the Philippine Cup as they had to complete their MPBL campaign with Abra, which went on to win the championship in dominating fashion.

Meanwhile, the new ruling does not affect those coming from the collegiate ranks, namely the NCAA, which permits players to enter the Draft while the season is ongoing.

2026-01-20T12:31:53Z