Three companies show interest in taking over Alaska franchise

Three companies have reached out to the PBA shortly after the Alaska Aces made a shocking announcement that they will leave the league for good after the ongoing 2021 Governors’ Cup.

Commissioner Willie Marcial on Wednesday confirmed that three companies have inquired about the possibility of joining the league shortly after the ‘retirement’ news of the Wilfred Uytengsu-owned franchise.

Of the three, Marcial said the two are very much interested. He, however, refused to release the identities of the firms upon request of the representatives who contacted him.

“Hihintayin lang namin kung ano ang gagawin ng Alaska. Bibigyan natin hanggang April. Baka may makuha silang interesado,” said the amiable league executive. “Kung hindi, mapupunta na sa atin (ang franchise).”

Marcial, however, emphasized that any firm that wants to play in the PBA must go through a stringent screening process – including a comprehensive analysis of its financial capability. More importantly, the company needs a two-thirds vote from the board of governors to get in.

The interested firms have two options to enter the league – by purchase of the Alaska franchise or as an expansion team.

The Aces have until April of the current year to inform the league of their plans for the franchise. If they decide not to sell, the franchise will revert back to the PBA and the players will go through a dispersal draft which may coincide with the annual rookie draft.