PUREBLENDS’ acquisition of NorthPort’s PBA franchise is virtually a done deal—and can become official within the week.
“Bago mag-Monday (today). May mga papeles na lang (na inaayos), pero halos done deal na iyon,” pro league chief Willie Marcial said during last week’s PBA Media Day presented by ArenaPlus at the Elements of Centris. “By Monday, alam ko tapos na iyan. Papers na lang ang pinag-uusapan.”
No official announcement was made at press time last night but the hardworking Commissioner said the firm owned by Bryann Calantoc should not have problems getting the stamp of approval from the powerful Board of Governors.
“Parehong legal nila ang nag-uusap. Pero sa amin (Board), mukhang okay na sa amin,” Marcial said.
That means a new ballclub will make it formally to the roster of teams and just in time for the 50th season’s Philippine Cup kicking off on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Former Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel returns to call the shots for the squad, which already has a banner to carry.
“Mayroon na silang sinabi sa akin, pero gusto ko sila ang mag-announce,” Marcial said.
With the sale not yet formalized last week, the entire Batang Pier showed up in the Media Day that was supported by Don Benito’s, Yellow Cab, Better Blend, CURVE coffee collaborators, Fitbar, Buffalo’s, Hungry Daddy and Daily Fantasy, not in their orange-colored uniforms.
The team, spearheaded by Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon, wore plain white shirts during the event.
“Pero sa opening iba na iyon,” Marcial said, obviously referring to the new Pureblends playing jersey on the weekend.
But the bigger question that begs an answer: Will Pureblends carve out a different fate than NorthPort?
