Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 4) – The professional basketball league management should review policies on player contracts, a former official said Friday..

Former Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Noli Eala raised the issue days after the signing of NLEX Road Warriors star Kiefer Ravena with Shiga Lakestars in the Japan Professional Basketball League despite a live contract with the Manny Pangilinan-owned franchise. The PBA bans players with live contracts to play in other leagues.

“I think the PBA must begin to review its policies not only on the UPC (uniform players contract) but also its by-laws perhaps to allow a shorter period in the contract,” Eala told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk.

He said players have the choice where to play next for their personal development and the league’s growth.

Another option the PBA leadership might consider, Eala said, is the adoption of a buyout clause in a contract but this must be studied carefully to keep the 46-year-old league stable.

He said the buyout clause should be “put in a very strict context because you do not want this to become a dangerous precedent for the PBA, where eventually there is an exodus because there is a prize war.”

Eala said the buyout system can attract more players to the league when a cager decides to play abroad.

He said the UPC binds the teams and the players as well as the league since the ball clubs need to secure the PBA’s nod on a contract.

“The PBA must adapt because it must become more competitive. If it believes that it is still the primary destination of professional basketball players, then it must show that it is,” said Eala.