Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial

A fabled franchise led by Jeron Teng has attracted five companies looking to forge a sale. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—PBA commissioner Willie Marcial revealed that some companies have quickly inquired about the franchise Alaska is about to let go at the end of the Governors' Cup.

Marcial said that right when the Aces formally announced that they are leaving the PBA after 35 seasons, he quickly got feelers from three corporations.

"May tatlo nang nagtatanong sa prangkisa," Marcial said.

He also relayed that Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann received inquiries from representatives of two more companies, making the number of interested parties at five.

Marcial did not divulge which companies inquired about the franchise buyout out of privacy especially if all the negotiations to acquire the franchise outright fall out.

He added that Alaska has until April to find a prospective buyer on its own effort, but the milk company can opt to let the PBA step in and be the one selling the franchise.

Either way, a two-thirds vote or eight total votes of approval in the PBA board must be met for a franchise sale to be accomplished.

If the Aces franchise fails to be put on sale, the PBA can completely disband the team and place the players in a dispersal draft likely to be scheduled during the rookie draft in May.

Alaska will be leaving the league with 14 championships, which could go up to 15 if it wins the PBA Governors' Cup title in its swan song.

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