MPBL Offering Millions? Shocking Salary Figures That Could Shake the PBA!

 

MPBL’s Big Salary Offers: If True, Is the PBA in Trouble?

Let me begin by acknowledging the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the oldest professional basketball league in Asia, as still the leading local professional league in the Philippines—for now. However, how long this will remain the case is uncertain, given its internal issues and recent reports that could shake the league’s stability.

According to a well-known but sometimes controversial figure, Snow Badua, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), backed by Manny Pacquiao, and some of its teams are now offering substantial salaries to attract top-tier players. If true, this could spell trouble for the PBA.

Basketball is a Profession—Money Matters

While players often say they compete for championships and to showcase their skills, in modern sports, financial security plays a crucial role in decision-making. This reality is why we see players moving to different teams, going abroad or even going to different leagues for higher salaries, sometimes even at the expense of championship opportunities.

Today’s athletes are financially smarter. With contract negotiations becoming more transparent, players have a clearer understanding of their market value. At the end of the day, loyalty to a jersey can change, but loyalty to one’s financial well-being and family remains constant. A significant offer will always make players think twice.

This is precisely why many talented Filipino players are now opting to play in Japan and Korea—because of better financial incentives. If MPBL follows the same model, players won’t even have to leave home to secure high-paying contracts. After all, being an overseas worker (OFW) is a difficult path.

Alleged Big Offers in the MPBL

The salary figures reported come from Snow Badua, whose credibility is often debated. While some dismiss his reports as attention-seeking, others acknowledge his willingness to put his reputation—and sometimes even his safety—on the line to obtain inside information. Regardless of where one stands on his credibility, these numbers are worth discussing.

According to his claims:

• Dave Ildefonso is being offered ₱400,000 per month in the MPBL, compared to NorthPort’s ₱150,000 offer.
• Encho Serrano is reportedly receiving ₱400,000, significantly higher than his Phoenix contract of ₱90,000, with a renewal offer of ₱180,000.
• Vic Manuel is allegedly getting ₱600,000 from MPBL, compared to Terrafirma’s ₱350,000 offer.
• Greg Slaughter is reportedly offered ₱1.2 million by Manila, versus ₱1 million at Ginebra and ₱420,000 at NorthPort.
• Christian Standhardinger has allegedly received a ₱1.2 million offer from Abra, against Terrafirma’s ₱420,000.

These are staggering numbers, and some of these figures exceed the PBA’s salary cap, which remains unchanged. While the PBA has mechanisms to regulate team budgets, there have long been whispers about ways to work around these restrictions—after all, how else could multiple superstars fit under a single roster’s salary cap?

If you have more reliable information or wish to dispute these claims, feel free to reach out to Powcast.

MPBL’s Growing Influence—But Still No Match for the PBA

The saying "Go where the grass is greener" rings true in sports. Competition is essential—it keeps leagues on their toes. Many leagues have attempted to challenge the PBA, but none have succeeded. One of the main reasons for this is the PBA’s financial superiority. As long as the SMC and MVP groups continue their strong backing, the PBA is expected to remain at the top.

However, with these reported MPBL offers, players—both seasoned and rising stars—are forced to reconsider their options. If more team owners continue investing significant amounts into the MPBL, the threat to the PBA becomes very real, and we could be witnessing the start of a shift in Philippine basketball’s power dynamics.

Now in its seventh season, the MPBL is breaking barriers—attracting fans, securing corporate backing, and now, allegedly, luring high-caliber players. Could a PBA team eventually defect to the MPBL? It’s not impossible.

While nobody wants to see the decline of the PBA, the league must act now. This year, the PBA celebrates its 50th anniversary, a remarkable milestone. But if they don’t adapt to the evolving basketball landscape, they may soon find themselves celebrating only their past, while the future belongs to another league.