PBA commissioner Willie Marcial is hoping to welcome a new PBA team in time for the league’s 50th anniversary celebration after finally getting interest from multiple companies.

The league chief confirmed that the two Zamboanga-based clubs – the Zamboanga Valientes and the Family’s Brand Sardines – have already sent their Letters of Intent to the PBA office.

Though refusing to get too far ahead in terms of what could happen with the talks, Marcial is optimistic to add a new team to the league – something that he has long been pursuing ever since he became the league commissioner.

“Sana makasali sa 50th natin,” said Marcial referring to Valientes’ chances of making it to the PBA.

“Sana makasama kasi nag-uusap na sila may talks na sila, medyo nagkakasundo na sila,” he added.

The Valientes consortium, led by team owner Junnie Navarro, is in bid to acquire the Terrafirma franchise and the two camps have reportedly already reached a mutual agreement.

But the league can’t be so sure still even if a deal has been reached between the two companies as the franchise takeover could still fall through similar to the earlier agreement between the Dyip franchise and Lucena-based shipping line company Starhorse.

For one, there’s still a number of requirements to comply with and the sale should also get two-thirds of the PBA board votes to be finally effective.

“Hangga’t walang pang binibigay sa atin na mga requirements natin lalo sa financials, at board approval, tingnan natin. Pero sa palagay ko naman, mapu-push through ‘to. Mas agresibo si Junnie sa deal na ‘to,” said Marcial.

As for the part of Universal Canning Inc., the company behind the Master and Family’s Brand Sardines, Marcial said they are still in talks.

“Basta Letter of Intent, gusto nila sumali kung expansion ba o hind, tingnan natin nag uusap pa kami  kung papaano,” said Marcial.

“Tingnan natin marami pang mga inaayos kasi meron silang mga kumpanya na gustong ipasok,” he added.