SBP’s Erika Dy: Player migration highlights the global strength of Philippine basketball

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stands as the country’s most popular sporting league, boasting a rich history as the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second-oldest in the world, trailing only the NBA since its founding in 1975.

Despite its immense local popularity and historical significance, the PBA has faced a growing challenge in recent years: the steady migration of some of the country’s top young talents to foreign leagues such as the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and Japan B. League (JBL). Notable players like Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena, and Carl Tamayo have all opted to ply their trade overseas, with promising prospects like Quentin Millora-Brown expected to follow suit.

Compounding this trend, the recent 2025 PBA Rookie Draft was held without several of the biggest collegiate stars from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), as some key players opted not to declare for the draft due to existing league rules.

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.

Yet, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy remains confident that the PBA’s legacy and stature will allow it to weather the impact of these player departures.

“These things really bring awareness to the next generation.”

Coach L.A. Mumar lauds Erika Dy and the SBP for spearheading the growth of women’s basketball in the Philippines. @TheGUIDONSports #AteneoBasketball pic.twitter.com/AvdNPJDvWd

— Ravi G. Tan (@Ravi_TheGUIDON) June 18, 2025

“The PBA won’t die. Believe me, the heart of Filipinos is still with the PBA. It has been around for 50 years, and they are now celebrating their 50th anniversary. I don’t think the league will be hurt by players leaving,” Dy said during a recent media interview.

Dy pointed to the return of players like Juan Gomez de Liano and Dalph Panopio as evidence of the PBA’s continuing appeal and strength as a destination for young Filipino talent. She also noted that the active recruitment of Filipino players by KBL and JBL teams highlights the Philippines’ status as a producer of some of Asia’s best basketball talent.

“Many players are also coming back to the PBA. We have to accept that the world is becoming increasingly borderless, and it’s easier to cross borders now. Personally, I think this is a positive development. It’s a sign that our federation’s programs are working if our players are good enough to be exported to other countries.

“They wouldn’t be recruited if they weren’t good. This shows that Philippine basketball is competitive at a global level,” Dy concluded.

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

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.