The season marked the return of the original three-conference format, starting with the Philippine Cup, or the traditional All-Filipino Conference.

[4][5] Key transactions: Trades: Signing: The PBA board approved the rule changes for implementation starting this season:[15] The season began on October 3 with the Meralco Bolts defeating the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 73-72.

Key transactions: Trades: Signing: The 2011 PBA All-Star Weekend were held from May 20 to 22 at the Boracay Convention Center, Malay, Aklan.

The all star weekend featured the Smart All-Stars, with Kobe Bryant as its playing coach challenging the PBA All-Stars, with Chot Reyes as the head coach and the Smart Gilas Philippine national basketball team.

[54][55] The event was organized by Smart Communications and the MVP Sports Foundation, headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan, team owner of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters and the Meralco Bolts in the PBA.