Three More Years of Willie Marcial in the PBA

Remember the times prior to Willie Marcial's appointment as PBA commissioner?

The PBA was divided into two factions and there were even the talks of a lockout after then PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa's decision to approve the trade that sent the rights to pick then top prospect, Christian Standhardinger to the San Miguel Beermen. That, and other decisions by Narvasa. Before the end of December that year, Narvasa resigned as commissioner and the PBA installed Marcial as the acting commissioner before eventually making him permanent. Since then, Willie Marcial has helped heal the wounds that divided not just the PBA but also the fans as he earned the nickname, "The Healing Commissioner". And you got to admit it, folks. The PBA has improved and is now reaching new heights thanks to the new policies and innovations that have been put in place by Marcial himself

The good news is: we will get to have him on top of things in the PBA as the PBA Board, led by Chairman Ricky Vargas, has extended Marcial's stint as the top man of the PBA for 3 more years which will make the latter commissioner through 2024. The said decision to extend Marcial's term was made by the PBA governors unanimously and that Vargas himself gave Marcial a new vote of confidence. After all, Marcial did a great job of slowly restoring harmony within the league. 

With this development, Willie Marcial's stint now stands as the third-longest run as PBA commissioner behind both Leo Prieto and Jun Bernardino who both looked over the league for 8 years.  

With the extension now official, Marcial can focus his attention towards the preparation for the league's 45th season which will open on March 1, 2020, which will feature the reigning 5-time Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen going up against the Magnolia Hotshots. An exciting way to open the season, right? 

Photo is from tnt.abante.com.ph