There’s been talk about Terrafirma Dyip being sold to a new ownership group, and it began as early as the Commissioner’s Cup. The Starhorse Shipping Lines, owners of the Basilan Viva Portmasters, was supposedly the one buying the woebegone franchise in time for the PBA‘s 50th season.
But the supposed purchase of Terrafirma is apparently not pushing through anymore, with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial citing noncompliance on the part of Starhorse as the reason for the about-face. According to the affable Marcial, the shipping company was unable to present the necessary financial documents that both the league and Terrafirma were asking for.
Starhorse’s stalled bid, though, doesn’t necessarily mean Terrafirma will stay in the PBA for long. That’s because there are as many as three buyers lining up to acquire the franchise, according to Marcial himself. In fact, two have already submitted their Letter of Intent and have visited the league office as well.
Zamboanga Valientes, Family Brand Sardines Vying to Buy Terrafirma?
Multiple reports point to the MPBL’s Zamboanga Valientes and Family Brand Sardines as potentially the frontrunners in acquiring the Terrafirma franchise. No less than Junnie Navarro, team owner of the Valientes, confirmed the their interest in buying the Dyip, while Marcial confirmed the same for Family Brand Sardines, whose parent company is Universal Canning Inc.
“Owning a team in the PBA would yet be another milestone for the city and people of Zamboanga. Big things are coming for Zamboanga basketball,” said Navarro.
“Zamboanga Valientes has a proven competitive track record both in the Philippines and the international basketball scene. Owning a franchise in the PBA is the next step towards our goal of showcasing Zamboangueño talent on the big stage,” added Cory Navarro, Junnie’s mother and President of Kings Asia Pacific, which is bankrolling the MPBL franchise.
Meanwhile, Marcial divulged that the Kaw family, owners of Universal Canning, has long had plans to join the PBA, with Anita Kaw personally approaching the commissioner to get that plan in motion.
Should Universal Canning land the Terrafirma franchise, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the company as it was once a part of the now-defunct PBA 3×3 as the Master Sardines Fishing Champs
Time to Put Up or Shut Up
Given Starhorse’s failed bid, it’s only natural for fans and pundits to take Marcial’s proclamations with a grain of salt. In other words, we’ll believe it once it’s done. And, for the sake of the PBA, this sale better be consummated, whether it’s to Universal Canning or Zamboanga Valientes or to a different ownership group. It’s a good first step to moving past the farm team allegations and to paving the way for a healthier, more competitive league just in time for the 50th season.
Of course, it doesn’t mean the PBA should be bending backwards to accommodate Universal and company. There are processes that need to be followed and documents that must be submitted. But the least the league and Marcial can do is actively work together with these prospective buyers so at least one can enter Asia’s first ever pay-for-play league.
The PBA has a golden chance to do the right thing in time for their golden season. Fans can only hope the league doesn’t mess it up.
