PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Atty. Ogie Narvasa, corporate secretary. Photo from PBA
MANILA, Philippines – Terrafirma will stay in the PBA after the Dyip-Zamboanga Valientes deal "did not materialize," league commissioner Willie Marcial revealed Friday.
This meant that all twelve teams will remain in the league for the 50th season.
The development came more than two months after the organizations started negotiating for the PBA franchise.
READ: Valientes owner eyes 'milestone' of acquiring TerraFirma's PBA franchise
"Negotations, nag-bog down. Hindi nag-materialize 'yung deal nung dalawa," Marcial announced, referring to the negotiations between the Dyip and Valientes.
"Ang Terrafirma ay patuloy pa ring sasali sa 'tin, so 12 teams pa rin tayo sa 50th [season]," he added.
When it comes to the players and coaches, it was revealed during the same press conference that Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales has plans to "beef up" the squad "and have a full line up" come the golden anniversary of the league.
No franchise is up for sale, the league underscored, including Terrafirma's.
"There's no sale as of the moment. The announcement is that they will stay in the PBA," said Atty. Ogie Narvasa, corporate secretary for PBA properties, who was with Marcial during the announcement.