PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial raised the possibility of scrapping the All-Star event for Season 49 after talks with the potential host failed to materialize.
Marcial disclosed the non-availability of the province being eyed to replace Davao as host weighs on the league's decision not to hold the annual festivities for this year.
"Most probably mawala yung All-Star," said Marcial. "Hindi sila (host) puwede sa mga dates na yun."
The league was eyeing to move the All-Star to May 16-18, but the potential host couldn't assure the league of its availability for the three-day event.
"Hindi sila pupuwede yung kausap namin," added the commissioner, refusing to divulge the name of the replacement host.
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Davao was originally set to host the mid-season classic on May 2-4, but security concerns in the province forced the league to look for other possible host.
Marcial said the PBA couldn't afford to move the All-Star at a later date as the playoffs for the season-ending Philippine Cup is set to start middle of June, followed by the semis and finals in July.
After which, Gilas Pilipinas will also start to focus on its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup set August 5-17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Nonetheless, Marcial assured the league is still committed to contribute to the Players' Trust Fund, which is the annual beneficiary of the All-Star game.
"Pero yung para sa Players' Trust Fund ibibigay pa rin namin," said the commissioner.(RG)
