By REYNALD MAGALLON
The PBA board has yet to conduct a vote to decide on the approval of the Pureblends Corp’s purchase of the NorthPort franchise although it has been already informed about the deal between the two camps.
In fact, documents have already been submitted to the PBA board when it convened on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the league office in Libis.
According to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, the board cannot make a decision yet as the documents, including the Letter of Intent and financial statements, will still be reviewed by a review committee.
The committee will then give a recommendation to the PBA board. The sale needs two-thirds of the vote to be approved.
“Wala pang final. Yung letter of intent and other other documents pinasa namin sa review committee. Sila ang gagawa ng recommendation,” Marcial said.
Despite the delay, there’s a sense of optimism from the two camps that the sale of the Batang Pier franchise would be given green light and is only a matter of when.
Pureblends, which is a food manufacturing company under listed owner Bryann Calantoc, have bought out the NorthPort franchise worth P85 million and paid in two tranches.
Still, NorthPort might still have to attend and pick in the 2025 PBA Draft on Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. The Batang Pier still own the fifth overall pick of the draft.
Leading the earlier board meeting was PBA chairman and TNT governor Ricky Vargas and joined by vice chairman and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua and treasurer and Phoenix governor Atty. Raymond Zorilla.
NorthPort governor Eric Arejola is still in attendance alongside other governors Atty. Mamerto Mondragon (Rain or Shine), Ronald Dulatre (NLEX), Siliman Sy (Blackwater), Atty. Bill Pamintuan (Meralco), Archen Cayabyab (Converge), Robert Non (San Miguel), and Jason Webb (Magnolia).
Also tackled during the meeting were the PBA plans for its 50th Season.
