HOW TO MAKE THE PBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND WORK

PBA.PH / SPIN.PH

The PBA All-Star Weekend was originally set for May 2 to 4 in Davao City. However, with recent developments—and the upcoming elections—the league has decided to postpone the event, with the possibility of scrapping it entirely.

Much like the declining in-game attendance, the All-Star Weekend just doesn’t have the same pull it once had. The truth is, the current PBA landscape lacks excitement. With most SMC and MVP teams already resembling All-Star lineups, the annual showcase doesn't feel as special anymore. Only a handful of players still manage to generate buzz.

Even back in the 2000s and 2010s, not all players were thrilled to participate. As much as I admire Mark Caguioa, he skipped a few of these events. I also remember Talk N Text opting out one year to prioritize rest over the All-Star festivities, given their championship chase and Gilas duties.

The Slam Dunk Contest was never a major draw, and the Obstacle Challenge hasn’t aged well either.

If the PBA plans to revive the All-Star Weekend next season, they need to make some serious changes. Off the top of my head, here are my suggestions.

RETRO JERSEYS

One thing to remember about the PBA is that it’s a commercial league. So when a team disbands, the rights to use its branding can get tricky. Some team names were tied to local or defunct brands, but others—like Shell, FedEx, Red Bull, and most recently, Alaska—were owned by major corporations that eventually pulled out. Still, that doesn’t mean the league can’t pay tribute to its iconic past.

Picture this: during the next All-Star Game—especially with the PBA celebrating its 50th anniversary—the North and South All-Stars take the floor wearing throwback Crispa and Toyota jerseys. The following year, maybe it’s the Manila Clasico colors. With five decades of unforgettable rivalries and legendary uniforms, the PBA has a rich visual history to tap into.

And here’s the bonus: they can sell these retro jerseys at the venue, even during out-of-town games. It’s a win-win—nostalgic fans get a collectible, and the league gives younger audiences a cool “what if” moment, like seeing June Mar Fajardo in Crispa green or Scottie Thompson repping Toyota blue and yellow.

EXCLUSIVE TO THE TOP PLAYERS

Let’s be real—the PBA All-Star history is filled with head-scratchers. We’ve seen some of the worst-performing players make the main game, especially during the Veterans vs. Rookies, Sophomores, and Juniors (RSJ) format. Even the North vs. South setup hasn’t been immune to the occasional bust slipping in.

The league needs a better filter. For starters, each team could be required to nominate at least six players, or the PBA could set a minimum stat line—say, five points per game or 20 minutes per outing—to qualify. This not only weeds out undeserving selections but also gives struggling teams a fair shot at showcasing their top talent.

It’s a win all around: the players will take the invite more seriously, and fans of lower-tier teams will finally have someone to cheer for on the big stage.

STAR OLYMPICS (OR KIND OF)

One of the coolest things from the late '80s to early '90s was the Star Olympics. Organized by the actors' guild, it was like an intramurals for celebrities—top movie and TV personalities competing in friendly games, with some real-life off-court drama adding spice (who could forget the tension between Richard Gomez and Robin Padilla?).

Today, it’s admittedly harder to gather 24 big-name stars in one venue, especially if the All-Star Weekend is being held outside Metro Manila. But maybe there’s a middle ground. The league could invite at least eight celebrities—preferably those with ties to the host city—and team them up with rising stars, veteran actors, or even cultural icons for a fun exhibition.

It wouldn’t be a groundbreaking concept either. The NBA has their own celebrity game, and the PBA already tried something similar a few seasons ago. Still, bringing this back could help bridge the league with the mainstream entertainment world—something it’s definitely been missing lately.

To give it that true Star Olympics vibe, let’s go all-in on nostalgia—have the teams wear jerseys inspired by iconic commercial brands from back in the day: Snacku Green, Nikon Red, Hapee Red, Protex Blue, and Tide White.

THE NBA TIE-UP

This isn’t just another MVP-sponsored event like we’ve seen in the past. Yes, most NBA-related appearances—like shoe launches—typically happen in Manila during the offseason and are logistical challenges, especially with security concerns. But if the PBA can pull it off, even just once during All-Star Weekend, it could be a game-changer.

We’re not expecting the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, or Luka Dončić to show up. But landing someone like Dwight Howard or a rising NBA talent like Miles Bridges? That would still be a massive draw. Even just having a former NBA All-Star or a current starter grace the event could elevate its star power and give the league some much-needed global relevance.

STICKING WITH THE NORTH VERSUS SOUTH FORMAT (OR THE SMC VERSUS MVP BATTLE, AS A SECOND OPTION)

This format is almost as old as the league itself, and for good reason—it works. While you can dress it up however you like, the reality is that many top-tier college recruits from Manila-based schools originally hail from the southern provinces. That’s why the All-Star Weekend, especially when held out of town, is one of the rare moments these players get to perform in front of a true hometown crowd.

I'd much rather see that than the outdated RSJ vs. Veterans setup, which often feels lopsided and forced.

If not North vs. South, then let’s lean into the league’s unspoken but obvious rivalry: SMC vs. MVP. Imagine San Miguel, Ginebra, and Magnolia teaming up with their unofficial allies—NorthPort and Terrafirma (or whichever team replaces them)—against the MVP bloc of TNT, Meralco, and NLEX, joined by their trade-happy friends: Blackwater, Phoenix, and Rain or Shine. And yes, while Phoenix and ROS claim independence, just take a look at their recent trade history.

Oh, and for balance, Converge goes to the SMC side by default.

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Look, I’m not asking for anything complicated here, because the All-Star Weekend shouldn’t be complicated. At its core, it’s about one thing: interaction—between the league, the players, and the fans. If you’re holding it in Metro Manila, you better bring in the star power and fan engagement to pack the venue. If it's in the provinces, then make it feel like a true fiesta, a celebration that embraces the community.

I'm not claiming any of these ideas are brand new. But maybe it's time the league tweaks the formula and brings in what actually works in 2025. Why not bring back a celebrity game—but with current, bankable stars? Imagine a team led by Gerald Anderson going up against Daniel Padilla. Or even include trending acts like BINI to hype up the crowd.

Bottom line: the All-Star Weekend should feel alive again. Not just another date on the calendar, but something fans—and even casual observers—look forward to.