PBA chairman Ricky Vargas elected new SBP president

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) chairman Ricky Vargas has added another achievement to his already distinguished résumé after being elected as the new president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Vargas was chosen by the SBP board on Tuesday, October 28, succeeding Al Panlilio, who was no longer eligible to run under the federation’s by-laws. Panlilio served two terms as SBP president—first appointed in 2017 and re-elected in December 2021.

At 73, Vargas brings extensive leadership experience in Philippine sports. Beyond his role as PBA chairman, he previously served as president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) and was named to the board of Asian Boxing in December 2024, an organization formed to replace the Asian Boxing Confederation (AFC).

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Panlilio, meanwhile, leaves behind a strong legacy, having also served as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and currently acting as Team Philippines’ chef de mission for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Congratulations PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas on being elected as the new President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP)! Your leadership and passion for the game will surely continue to elevate Philippine basketball to greater heights! Mabuhay ka, VPV!#Tropang5G pic.twitter.com/lEyXGOYj5o

— TNT Tropang 5G (@TNTTropang5G) October 29, 2025

In his first remarks as SBP president, Vargas expressed enthusiasm for the federation’s direction and emphasized the importance of continuity and collaboration in Philippine basketball.

“The new SBP Board is a healthy mix of wisdom-filled veterans and passionate young leaders who share a common purpose — to build a stronger, more unified future for Philippine basketball,” Vargas said in a statement.

“We are setting the foundation for the next generation of sports leaders to continue the growth and excellence that Filipino basketball is known for.”

Vargas steps into the role following a period of significant success under Panlilio’s tenure. Among the milestones achieved during Panlilio’s leadership were the Philippines’ co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas’ historic gold medal win at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou — the country’s first since 1962 — and the successful defense of their title at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

With Vargas now at the helm, the challenge lies in sustaining that momentum and steering Philippine basketball toward an even brighter future.

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