The launching of the Asean Basketball League (ABL) – the fist regional professional league – has been moved to a later date as organizers are working out to forge a strong alliance with sporting network giant – the ESPN – for the league’s grand opening in October.

Dr. Mikee Romero, who co-owns the Philippine club franchise with ABC-5 owner Tony Boy Cojuangco, announced the other day the postponement of the launching since ABL’s top brass is trying to close a 10-year deal with ESPN, which it said will play a crucial role in the success of the league.

“Though we have already set everything for the launching of the event, we have to give way for this very important undertaking of the league. We know the value of ESPN and we know the value of a local television,” said the young owner of Harbour Centre. “We will announce the final date perhaps next week.”

The launching was initially set tomorrow in Manila with Cojuangco and Romero ready to welcome officials and players of the six-country tournament designed to produce an Asean hero, create new rivalry, and promote ASEAN brands in the market since basketball is acknowledged as the world’s second most popular sport – next to football (soccer).

Cojuangco and Romero believe that it is important for the league to have a tie-up with an established TV network – as in the case of ESPN – for it will attract big-time sponsors. If negotiation is successful, ABL games will be shown on ESPN and other local TV.

“If that happens, team owners like us can save a lot, and that will be fine for us,” said Romero. “ESPN acknowledges the potential of ABL.”
 
Aside from the Philippines, also taking part in the low-cost but highly-quality entertainment are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore. But there’s strong possibility that Indonesia may field two teams while Vietnam is also planning to join.

“For starter, six teams will be an ideal number but if two more teams will join, then that will be fine,” said Cojuangco. “It’s going to be a good sign in business and entertainment.”

In postponing the launching, Malaysian millionaire and ABL founder Tony Fernandes said: “We apologize for the postponement but we have one shot at this and I want to get it right. We are getting stronger by the day and I am excited.”

Meantime, Bobby Barreiro, president of ABC-5, and Erick Arejola, team manager of Harbour Centre, said they will announce next week the moniker of the Philippine team for the coming tournament.

“We need to create a lot of hype for the league and strengthen our brand positioning in the market,” said Barreiro.