PBA is back! A guide to Season 49, starting with the Governors' Cup

The PBA is back.

Returning to a three-conference format, the PBA will open its 49th season with the Governors’ Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The new PBA season starts with a familiar showdown featuring Philippine Cup champion Meralco taking on Magnolia.

After that, it’s a busy slate as the PBA will play six double-headers a week starting Tuesday, August 20.

To get everyone up to speed, here’s a mega compilation for anything PBA-related entering Season 49.

Team composition

• PBA: Blackwater Bossing parade prized rookies, hope for better play in Governors’ Cup
• PBA: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to build on impressive Philippine Cup semifinals run
• PBA: With former BPCs in the fold, Terrafirma Dyip shoot for another playoff berth
• PBA: San Miguel Beermen among favorites as season-opening Governors’ Cup draws near
• Meralco keeps championship lineup intact for new PBA season
• Even with top pick Justine Baltazar yet to don the purple uniform, Converge looks to contend for PBA playoffs
• TNT out to regain former glory in PBA starting with Governors' Cup title defense
• Despite trading stars in offseason, Ginebra remains a formidable team in PBA Season 49
• PBA: Magnolia makes major roster tweaks in hopes of ending title drought
• PBA: Jio Jalalon expected to spell difference for NorthPort Batang Pier in season-opening Governors’ Cup
• PBA: Phoenix ready to rise in PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup
• PBA: NLEX hopes to go places with new coach Jong Uichico

Schedule and new rules

• PH Cup champ Meralco vs Magnolia: Make time for this Group A game and more in the PBA Governors' Cup
• San Miguel vs Ginebra: Mark your calendars for this intense Group B faceoff and more in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup
• 49 for 49: PBA announces promo for Governors' Cup opener, speaks on new rules and waiving height limits for imports
• Hong Kong Eastern’s PBA entry almost complete for Commissioner’s Cup
• PBA: Defending champion TNT, PH Cup winners Meralco banner Group A; Brgy, Ginebra joins San Miguel in Group B of Governors' Cup

The 4-point shot

• PBA to officially adopt "4-point shot" for Season 49
• 'If you do not innovate, you die': PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas banks on 4-point shot to be a game-changer
• Alfrancis Chua gives honest take on mixed reactions drawn from PBA's adoption of four-point line

Rookies

• PBA: Converge tabs Justine Baltazar as No. 1 draft pick
• PBA: Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso sees No. 2 pick Sedrick Barefield as ‘game-changer’
• PBA: Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao explains decision to choose surprise first-round pick Felix Lemetti
• Justine Baltazar set to fulfill Pampanga duties in MPBL before taking his act to Converge in PBA
• PBA Draft: Terrafirma chooses Mark Nonoy at 10th overall to complete trade deal with Ginebra
• PBA Draft: Ginebra uses third pick acquired from Terrafirma to select RJ Abarrientos
• PBA: NLEX signs no. 6 pick Jonnel Policarpio to 3-year deal
• PBA: Evan Nelle inks two-year deal with NorthPort
• Rain or Shine signs rookies Felix Lemetti, Francis Escandor