NorthPort could be packing its bags and leaving the PBA soon. —PBA IMAGES
The PBA will take some time to review Pureblends Corporation’s acquisition of the NorthPort franchise before the 50th season unfolds next month.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said following Wednesday’s board meeting that a review committee has been tasked to determine whether Pureblends is good enough to take over from NorthPort, which has been in the league since 2012.
READ: Potential NorthPort buyer will trek long path to competitiveness
Pureblends reportedly agreed to purchase NorthPort’s lock, stock and barrel for ₱90 million.
Representatives of Pureblends, according to the league, attended the meeting and submitted a letter of intent plus other key requirements.
With the deal still pending, NorthPort will still be tasked to select its picks in the PBA Rookie Draft set Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The Batang Pier have the fourth pick in the first round.
READ: PBA: Amid talks of franchise sale, NorthPort calls for open tryouts
NorthPort’s sale, sources said, has been an “open secret” since last season, but it was only two weeks ago when rumors of Pureblends being an unlikely frontrunner emerged.
Bryann Calantoc is listed as Pureblends’ owner, with his company having backed teams in the Pilipinas Super League and even in Vietnam for Ho Chi Minh City Wings and local football club Mendiola FC 1991 of the Philippines Football League.
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