Push Admin

ABL: Alab owner fears play stoppage could spill into next season, beyond

Article (news)

Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

The way Charlie Dy sees it, the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) may not be returning in 2 years if the COVID-19 pandemic remains unchecked.The San Miguel Alab Pilipinas team owner said the virus has made it impossible for the league to hold games because of its home-and-away format.&quot;ABL is not a local league and the decision to end the 2019-2020 season is due to the fact that travel will be a big challenge with the travel restrictions and quarantine period, and the home-and-away format is not feasible,&quot; said Dy.&quot;I don’t think we can also have a 2020-2021 season until the pandemic is controlled.&quot;Alab were among 4 teams, including Hong Kong Eastern, Formosa Dreamers of Taiwan and the Macau Black Bears, that asked the league to stop play in March when COVID-19 was becoming a global health crisis.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/15/20/abl-ends-2019-20-season-citing-virus-concerns-2021-campaign-still-in-play">ABL ends 2019-20 season, citing virus concerns; 2021 campaign still in play</a></li></ul>Dy acknowledged it was a tough decision to make as Alab, which sat at second place with a 10-6 record when play was stopped, was making big strides in reclaiming the ABL title.&quot;Like what coach Jimmy (Alapag) said, we all felt bad because despite us not playing so well the first half of the season, we’re still at no. 2 and really feel we could win the title this season with the addition of Justin Brownlee and John Fields,&quot; Dy said. &quot;But safety of everyone is our main concern, that’s why we just have to be happy and look at the positive that everyone’s healthy.&quot;<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/11/20/malungkot-tayo-duremdes-pacquiao-to-discuss-mpbl-moving-to-another-network">‘Malungkot tayo’: Duremdes, Pacquiao to discuss MPBL moving to another network</a></li></ul>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

If the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't show signs of slowing down, the ABL could remain sidelined until the 2020-21 season, Alab Pilipinas owner Charlie Dy says.

If the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't show signs of slowing down, the ABL could remain sidelined until the 2020-21 season, Alab Pilipinas owner Charlie Dy says.

ABL: Alab owner fears play stoppage could spill into next season, beyond

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

ABL: Alab owner fears play stoppage could spill into next season, beyond

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 21, 2020 10:24 PM PHT

|

Updated July 22, 2020 12:25 AM PHT

Read More:

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas

ASEAN Basketball League

ABL

COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic

lockdown

quarantine

home-and-away

Charlie Dy

coronavirus

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.