MANILA, Philippines – The PBA is scrapping the height limit for one of its two import conferences next season as it brings several changes leading up to its 50th anniversary.

League chief Willie Marcial said on Wednesday, June 5, that the Commissioner’s Cup will no longer observe the 6-foot-9 cap for imports, paving the way for teams to tap foreign stars previously restricted by the ceiling.

At the top of the list is three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner Dwight Howard, who expressed interest in joining the PBA.

The 6-foot-6 height limit, though, will stay for the Governors’ Cup, which will open the 49th season in August.

Hoping to keep things fresh, Marcial said the Governors’ Cup will follow a new format that will see the 12 teams split into two pools for the elimination round, with each squad battling the other five teams in its group twice.

“The board of governors want a new look going into our 50th year,” said Marcial in Filipino.

Marcial added there are talks with a foreign team to play as guest in the Commissioner’s Cup as the league seeks to recreate the success and popularity the Bay Area Dragons brought when they saw action last season.

With a guest team in the pipeline, Marcial said the PBA is also considering to let all local teams parade two imports in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The league will wrap up the season with the Philippine Cup as it coincides with the PBA’s 50th anniversary in April. – Rappler.com