The ASEAN Basketball League is being backed by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes and Indonesian media mogul Erick Thoir, who are pumping in a total of US$5 million into the venture.
The league will be organised by the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA), the governing body for basketball in the region.
Each of the 10 Southeast Asian countries will be allowed to send in a maximum of two privately—owned teams.
Singapore Slingers will be one of the teams competing in the league, which organisers hope will help develop new talent.
While the prize money has yet to be finalised, foreign professionals are expected to play the circuit.
Organisers said basketball is the second most popular sport after football for Southeast Asia's population of 600 million.
The Philippines tops the national rankings in ASEAN, followed by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
At Monday's launch in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Fernandes was hopeful that the league's players would someday play in the NBA, but for now, it had other spin—offs.
He said: "During an economic downturn like now, this new league will create jobs. Can you imagine 5,000 people during this slowdown flying to Manila to watch a game?"
At least eight teams are expected to play in the inaugural league. — CNA/ms
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.PS: only 2 Teams and itink SEABA has to tweak the rules that teams has to contain at least 75% to 80% of host nationality otherwise how can a Singapore Team called Singapore..right?
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