NorthPort is just a final vote away from relinquishing its franchise to Pureblends. PBA Images (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Pureblends joining the PBA is now a matter of when, according to board of governors chairman Ricky Vargas.

The TNT representative to the PBA board, who was reelected once more for an unprecedented ninth term as chairman, said that it could be just a formality away before the Bryan Calantoc-owned food company can complete the purchase of the franchise to be left behind by NorthPort.

"Due diligence has begun, and it may just happen anytime that this is close, and we may expect a new team in the PBA in the opening of the 50th season," Vargas said during the league's planning session in Las Vegas on Wednesday (Philippine Time).

Pureblends and NorthPort agreed on a PHP90 million deal for a franchise transfer lock, stock, and barrel.

However, the PBA board, during its last meeting before the draft and eventually flying to Las Vegas, deferred the sale for further review.

NorthPort essentially kept its drafting rights during Sunday's proceedings at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay, eventually picking 11 players led by number four pick Chris Koon.

However, incumbent Batang Pier governor Erick Arejola joined the Magnolia Hotshots' table during the draft, and it was confirmed that he has indeed joined the Purefoods franchise as an alternate governor and consultant to official governor Jason Webb.

Despite the job change, Arejola still joined Webb and the other PBA governors on the trip to Vegas for the planning session since NorthPort's franchise sale was not yet green-lit.

The NorthPort sale was tackled once more during Day 1 of the planning session, and Vargas thanked the San Miguel Corporation for allowing Pureblends to join even if they are "rival" food conglomerates.

"We thank San Miguel for allowing that as well because we have a strict policy of not allowing competitors. And they allowed Pureblends to come in," Vargas added.

Once the necessary requirements have been completed, the PBA board can now cast a vote on whether Pureblends comes in or not, and Pureblends must hope that at least eight governors say yes to the takeover to make it official.

A Pureblends official was actually seated on the NorthPort table during the draft as an "observer".

On the other hand, despite committing to play on for PBA Season 50 starting on Oct. 5, Terrafirma's franchise remains up for grabs.

Vargas confirmed that the Dyip management has not ruled out yet the possibility of still putting their team for sale despite two failed attempts.

"We talked to Terrafirma management. They're committed to perform their best, and they're committed to stay, but they also said that they are for sale," Vargas further said.

Starhorse Shipping and Zamboanga Valientes came close to buying the Terrafirma franchise, but negotiations fell apart eventually.

The Dyip eventually decided to stay at least for Season 50, named Ronald Tubid as their new head coach, and made Abra Weavers center Geo Chiu the number one pick in the draft, headlining a 10-player haul.

Bobby Rosales did not join the rest of the PBA board in Las Vegas as he prepares to make way for a new Terrafirma governor.

One person privy to the situation told Dugout Philippines that one candidate to replace the retiring Rosales as the Dyip governor is UST Growling Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio, also the Batang Pier's incumbent team manager.