Alaska is still exploring what’s next for its franchise and players after deciding to end a three-decade run in the PBA at the conclusion of the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
Team owner Wilfred Uytengsu said Alaska is looking at potential buyers or asking the league to place all players under contract in a dispersal draft if it fails to find any takers after the season.
“There are no immediate buyers at this point in time but it remains a possibility that we can sell our team, our franchise to another company if they want to come in at the end of the season,” Uytengsu told reporters in a hastily-called press conference.
“If there is not a buyer at that time, the franchise will revert to the PBA and pursuant to the by-laws of the PBA, then the players will go into a dispersal draft,” added Uytengsu, who had earlier informed league officials of the stunning decision.
Uytengsu assured the team won’t be unloading its players until such time a sale or the process of dispersal pool is completed.
Prominent Alaska players on the roster are Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi and Mike DiGregorio.
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said an emergency board meeting will be called to discuss the Alaska situation.
Marcial said the meeting will determine the next course of action for the league, which faces the possibility of entertaining a new member through a purchase of the Alaska franchise or being reduced to 11 ballclubs.
“Pag-uusapan namin kung papaano ba, ano gusto ng Alaska at kakausapin si (team governor) Dickie (Bachmann) so titignan natin,” he said.
He and chairman Ricky Vargas were earlier informed by Uytengsu of Alaska’s departure during a meeting held prior to the announcement, with Marcial acknowledging the significant impact of the decision.
“It’s a sad news for Philippine basketball, especially the PBA, and we thank (Alaska) for everything. It’s really sad,” Marcial said, quoting what he told Uytengsu.