Can the PBL handle this expansion?

[not so fast]

I have one question. Can the PBL really handle this much expansion? I have posted earlier, they need to expand their staff, they need more full time people in positions, to truly run this league properly. Otherwise this could be another version of the ABA.

I just don't get it. Whats the rush with all the teams?

They had enough just getting through the first season, but to double the amount of teams in one year?

The NBA could not handle that nor could any league handle that much expansion at one time.

[tops804]

1) I wouldn't be prepared to call the PBL a 20 team circuit for 2009 just yet.
We still haven't heard from the likes of Arkansas, Dallas and Jacksonville. Nor
do we know what the next 6+ months will bring. Remember, Minnesota was
dropped very late last season. Chicago, seemed to be up in the air.

2) With the PBL's "success" last season. Compared to the ABA and CBA, can
you blame them for bringing anyone who shows promise on board?

3) In the NBA and other major leagues, expansion is a bit more precarious.
Perhaps because those leagues don't really see a need to bring in too many
team's that may have weak rosters. Travel, league history, television and
the high expansion fee in the first place probably make it more of a novelty
in major sports as opposed to semi-pro or minor leagues.

4) Because of the other winter leagues, this may be the only chance the
PBL will get to over-indulge. Will next year bring so many ABA & CBA teams
anxious to make the jump? Will there even be a next year for those leagues?

5) With a new league, and bad economy. I expect some cracks to show in
the PBL armor for it's sophomore season. This will really be Sev's and Tom's
big chance to show us why the PBL is not the ABA.

I wish them luck.

[SignGuyDino]

It would look real indulgent to have massive travel costs (except the Chinese team of course). Especially with high gas prices and shrinking entertainment dollars for the foreseeable future. My playoffs would start with top two in each division with top team hosting the game.

I'd just have the teams play teams in each division until playoffs. Ditto on having more central staff. I'd put one person in charge of each division myself.

[not so fast]

I guess this leads me to the next questions.

1) Do all the teams have venues and lease agreements and can they produce copies of this to the league office?

2) Do all the teams have the resources to make payroll for the season, and other team expenses, and do the league office have any way of guaranteeing the teams will honor their respected contracts?

3) If a team folds for whatever reason, is there a back up plan in place to fill that void in the schedule?

4) How are players selected for the teams, and will they have another pre season draft?
And whats the mechanism to keep players from freely jumping around to team to team?

5) What about the FIBA agreement? Where is that at now?

[DazedAndAmused]

my educated guesses, based on a few things I have heard:

QUOTE=not so fast;95360]I guess this leads me to the next questions.

1) Do all the teams have venues and lease agreements and can they produce copies of this to the league office? all but 2 as of today

2) Do all the teams have the resources to make payroll for the season, and other team expenses, and do the league office have any way of guaranteeing the teams will honor their respected contracts? i don't know about the vetting process changes or escrow requirements vs last year, but insuracne policies supposedly are in place

3) If a team folds for whatever reason, is there a back up plan in place to fill that void in the schedule? talk of a permanent traveling team, perhaps some version of last year's "travelers"..but expect streetballers

4) How are players selected for the teams, and will they have another pre season draft? there will likely be a combine, details tbd
And whats the mechanism to keep players from freely jumping around to team to team? league rules govern when this can/can't happen....it was in place last year as well i'm told
5) What about the FIBA agreement? Where is that at now?[/QUOTE] toast, dunno why

[not so fast]

I have another question, will the PBL help pay team travel costs this season as well?

[formerlyknownasfells]

I have another question, will the PBL help pay team travel costs this season as well?

From what I have heard, yes they will be helping with travel costs.

[not so fast]

How can the PBL run a national camp, if they are still negotiating with CBA teams to come in? Or are we saying that this years teams are set in stone?

And about this draft, do you have to draft players and if you do are you required to get them to training camp? If the players are going to have to cover their own expenses to get to training camp and expenses such as hotel and food themselves, then this should be made clear before anyone pays or goes to the national camp in Chicago. This leagues needs to display some integrity on this issue. Last year guys were selected but had no means to get their respected camps.

[DazedAndAmused]

How can the PBL run a national camp, if they are still negotiating with CBA teams to come in? Or are we saying that this years teams are set in stone?

And about this draft, do you have to draft players and if you do are you required to get them to training camp? If the players are going to have to cover their own expenses to get to training camp and expenses such as hotel and food themselves, then this should be made clear before anyone pays or goes to the national camp in Chicago. This leagues needs to display some integrity on this issue. Last year guys were selected but had no means to get their respected camps.

My info is 2nd hand so don't hold me to it but here is what i have been told:

And about this draft, do you have to draft players and if you do are you required to get them to training camp? yes and not necessarily, but the league may be funding getting "first round" drafted players to their camps

If the players are going to have to cover their own expenses to get to training camp and expenses such as hotel and food themselves, then this should be made clear before anyone pays or goes to the national camp in Chicago. Some players will pay, others will not; there is some talent identified that the league wants that will not have to pay or cover their own expenses; guys off the radar coming in late may have to pay their own expenses

I agree that the league should disclose their official policies in this regard; but i don't have a problem with them not covering all player expenses, unless they were recruited to come to the camp. The way these camps work generally, there are alot of last minute shows (organized by agents) who are looking for a shot. Sometimes a gem can emerge.