PBA chairman Ricky Vargas named SBP president

Ricky Vargas has been elected as the new president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), succeeding Al Panlilio, who remains a board member due to his FIBA Central Board position. Vargas, who is also the concurrent PBA chairman and TNT Tropang 5G governor, now holds two of the highest roles in Philippine basketball. In his statement, he described the new SBP Board as a blend of experienced veterans and young leaders committed to strengthening and unifying Philippine basketball for future generations.

The SBP board includes representatives from various sectors, such as PBA team owner Manny V. Pangilinan, Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua, and Converge governor Archen Cayabyab from the commercial and professional sector. Additional elected members cover regional and sectoral representation, including Paul Tristan Laus (North Luzon), Atty. Edgar Francisco (South Luzon), Robert Uy (Visayas), Renauld Barrios (Mindanao), Jose Franco Soberano (Youth sector), Maria Vivian Manila (Women’s sector), and Bo Perasol, Manuel Raymund Castellano, and Eric Altamirano (School sector). The president also appointed co-opted members Jacob Ang and Chaye Cabal-Revilla, with Ryan Reyes and Peachy Cheng Medina serving as player and 3x3 interim representatives, respectively.

A significant milestone of this election is that 10 out of 17 trustees are serving on the SBP Board for the first time, highlighting a renewed focus on fresh perspectives. SBP Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the board's inclusivity, noting the inclusion of three female trustees and representatives for players and 3x3 basketball, ensuring broader representation and continuous growth in Philippine basketball.