The Troy Rosario sweepstakes always seemed like a two-party race.

The Converge FiberXers and the San Miguel Group, in particular, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, are vying for Rosario’s services, with the MVP Group not a priority at the moment.

Rosario spent his nine-year PBA career with the MVP Group’s TNT Tropang Giga and the Blackwater Bossing and with these teams often associated with one another, it seems like the former NU Bulldog wanted a change in environment. From what we know as outsiders, there’s no bad blood between him and the Tropang Giga management; a fresh start is simply all he needs.

So far, all signs are pointing to Rosario joining the Gin Kings. It would be a dream come true for Rosario, who grew up rooting for Ginebra. Such is the beauty of free agency, where a player is free to choose where he wants to go and in turn fulfill his dreams.

Fit-wise, it’s perfect because the Gin Kings are terribly shallow in front beyond Japeth Aguilar. Trading away Christian Standhardinger and losing Jamie Malonzo and Isaac Go to injuries forced players like Justin Brownlee and Stephen Holt to take on more big man duties. Meanwhile, Joe Devance had to come out of retirement, but he too got injured in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup. Rosario’s inclusion will bolster Ginebra’s frontline, which will now have another player with a never-say-die attitude in the trenches.

Of course, nothing is truly confirmed until Rosario signs the contract. The FiberXers could make one final push, but as it stands, the Gin Kings have the inside track.

There will be certain quarters that will bemoan how a marquee organization like Ginebra will get a solid player without having to give up anything. But then, that’s the reality of free agency, especially in these circumstances.

Players are free to choose where to go, and PBA teams can sign whoever they want, especially since there doesn’t seem to be a firm team salary cap in place. The big teams will have the inside track, especially when they can include incentives on the side. Team tradition and championship contender status are nice too, but we all know incentives are king.

Was Troy Rosario driven by incentives? That’s a question only he can answer. But for now, we should appreciate how he is able to exercise his right to choose. Eventually, we will see more players doing the same.

Parity has been an issue hounding the PBA since time immemorial, but the league finally establishing free agency has been a step in the right direction. Is it perfect? No, but the current situation still benefits the few. When circumstances become more inclusive, only then can it be more beneficial for all.