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| Zamboanga Valientes' top brass meets with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales. Zamboanga Valientes |
MANILA--A new player has emerged in the chase for the Terrafirma franchise.
The Zamboanga Valientes did not just express their intent in joining the PBA but also revealed that they are in talks with the Dyip to buy their franchise.
According to a statement sent to media outlets on Monday, the Valientes "have reached a mutual agreement with Terrafirma to make the sale."
"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 team owner Junnie Navarro.
He was joined by his mother Cory and Crewsharp CEO Trever Crewe when they met with PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales regarding the franchise sale.
“The Zamboanga Valientes have 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,” Cory Navarro added.
A person privy of the situation told Dugout Philippines that the Valientes already have its sights on the Dyip earlier this month when Junnie Navarro watched their PBA Philippine Cup opener against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on April 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
During that time too, according to the source, Starhorse's supposed takeover of the Terrafirma franchise already hit a fatal snag, something Marcial confirmed just last week.
Interestingly enough, the Valientes' announcement came a day after Marcial revealed Family's Brand Sardines' intent of joining the PBA too.
Marcial earlier disclosed that three corporate groups expressed their intent of joining the PBA through the Terrafirma route, although he did not reveal which companies exactly they were.
He also kept mum if Family's Brand, which is also based in Zamboanga City, is among the three.
However, the Valientes may have just revealed themselves as one of those who are trying to buy the Dyip franchise with their announcement.
The Valientes group and Family's Brand previously joined forces in founding the Zamboanga franchise in the MPBL for the 2018-2019 season.
However, following an early season fallout, the Valientes pulled out from backing the team, and Family's Brand continued on bankrolling the club now known as the Zamboanga SiKat despite being left on their own.
The Kaw Family, Family's Brand's owners, leased the Zamboanga franchise ownership to sports patron Kat Chua for this MPBL season apparently to gear up for a possible PBA entry.
Both Kat Chua and Junnie Navarro are seeking public office in this year's elections with Chua running for congresswoman in Zamboanga City's first district and Navarro running for councilor in the city's other district.
Once the agreement has been formalized, the Valientes would need to get eight yes votes from the PBA board before they can push through with the franchise sale.
A minimum payment of PHP100 million is needed before the Valientes can acquire the Dyip lock stock and barrel.
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