PBA board to tackle Starhorse-Terrafirma deal in March meeting

The impending franchise transfer between Terrafirma and Starhorse will likely be tackled when the PBA board meets again in March. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales has ample time to convince his fellow PBA board members that the team's impending sale to Starhorse Shipping Lines is good for the league.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said on Tuesday night that the board will convene sometime in March to discuss the franchise transfer, among the issues that could be tackled aside from things related to the league's 50th-anniversary festivities.

Both Terrafirma and Starhorse already agreed on a transfer of franchise ownership that would see the Dyip being absorbed into the new team lock stock and barrel.

Marcial said that he is waiting for the necessary documents to be presented to the PBA board for approval.

The PBA board must approve a franchise transfer with a two-thirds vote or eight yes votes to proceed, and Starhorse needs to pay at least PHP100 million to make it official.

Another concern arising is whether NorthPort challenges the franchise sale since it is also in the maritime industry like Starhorse with a rule disallowing direct competitors of a certain team from joining the PBA in place.

However, Jackson Chua, who will be among Starhorse's team officials if the takeover happens, believes there is no reason for NorthPort to block the Terrafirma sale since NorthPort is more into the port business while Starhorse is a shipping company.

Chua currently owns the returning Basilan Steel in the MPBL with Starhorse backing them.

If approved, Starhorse can begin its PBA quest right in the league's 50th season starting on Oct. 5.

Terrafirma will still play in the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup starting on April 5 in what could be its swan song in the league.

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