FOUR new squads are expected to join the ranks of the PBA D-League when the new season opens next month.
The teams that have sent feelers to the league office about their participation are Arellano University, Jose Rizal University-Air21, HTC Philippines and Informatics.
Should all four join, the number of teams in the league will rise to 12 once the Aspirant’s Cup starts.
“The intention of these new applicants to be a part of the coming season of the PBA D-League only goes to show that the league has established a market that is acceptable to our basketball loving fans,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud in a press statement.
Salud said the participation of new teams will generate new rivalry, create new stars and offer exciting games for the fledgling league.
NLEX, winner of the league’s first three championships, and Big Chill are expected to also parade new faces after a number of their key players were selected in the recent PBA Annual Draft that left their rosters depleted. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio