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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Pureblends close to taking over NorthPort; Terrafirma still on sale

Pureblends close to taking over NorthPort; Terrafirma still on sale

Published Sep 11, 2025 12:42 pm  |  Updated Sep 11, 2025 01:50 pm

At A Glance

  • At this point, the formalities are the only thing that is preventing Pureblends Corporation from taking over the NorthPort franchise.
At this point, the formalities are the only thing that is preventing Pureblends Corporation from taking over the NorthPort franchise.
That after PBA chairman Ricky Vargas hinted that the new team could already be joining the league for the opening of its 50th season next month.
Vargas, who retained the chairmanship during the PBA Board annual planning in Las Vegas, said the franchise sale is almost a done deal and could very well get the green light from the league top brass anytime soon.
"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," said Vargas in a story on the PBA website.
The bid to join the league for Pureblends, which focuses on food manufacturing based in Caloocan City, have also gained significant steam as far as the PBA Board is concerned as the San Miguel Corporation, who also has businesses in the same industry, is reportedly in full support.
The league has a rule that PBA teams have the right to veto an incoming application especially if it is a direct competitor.
"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.
A review committee, which is composed of Atty. Bill Pamintuan of Meralco, Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, PBA legal counsel Atty. Ogie Narvaza, and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, is expected to present their recommendations to the PBA Board during the five-day summit.
Meanwhile, although it has committed to stay for the 50th season, Terrafirma isn't removing yet its for sale tag on its franchise.
According to Vargas, the Dyip franchise is still open for talks regarding its sale though it is taking a more cautious approach after two initial deals – with Starhorse and Zamboanga Valientes – both bogged down.
"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," said Vargas.
"Remember we have two interested applicants, but we have problems with submission of requirements. So we have to be a little more careful in vetting the companies that are interested to join the PBA," added Narvasa.
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