PBA to fine TNT for competing in Abu Dhabi without clearance

TNT Tropang 5G is set to pay the price for joining an overseas competition without the green light from the PBA.

Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the flagship squad of the MVP group will be fined after flying to the United Arab Emirates to compete in the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship.

“Pipinahan ko ‘yung team. Nakausap ko na si [PBA] chairman (and TNT team governor Ricky Vargas) tungkol dito,” Marcial said.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

According to the commissioner, the Tropang 5G violated league policy on two counts—first, by failing to secure official permission before joining, and second, by playing in a tournament just days before the PBA’s 2025 Philippine Cup tips off.

FINE AWAITS TROPANG 5G BACK HOME 😬

Commissioner Willie Marcial shared that TNT coach Chot Reyes and team manager Jojo Lastimosa already reached out to him, but nonetheless, the fine stands. #PBA50https://t.co/b1r9dPthRj

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) October 2, 2025

“Hindi na namin pinapayagan yung mga ganyan para makaiwas sa injuries,” Marcial explained. “Yung mga tune up games nga this week sinasabihan namin na easy-easy na lang.”

Marcial said TNT coach Chot Reyes and team manager Jojo Lastimosa had already apologized for the lapse, but stressed the punishment will still be imposed.

The Tropang 5G traveled to Dubai over the weekend to join the eight-team invitational. However, the squad cut short its campaign, skipping the knockout rounds as the PBA season opener looms.

Reyes earlier shared that TNT initially planned to withdraw when the tournament schedule was moved from September 29 to October 5, but organizers insisted on having a Filipino team. A compromise was reached for TNT to complete only its group stage assignments before flying back home.

Despite the shortened stint, the fallout awaits. For Marcial, the message is clear: league rules must be respected, especially with the new season just around the corner.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

 📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!