MANILA – Two prominent sports figures in Zamboanga City could be in line to take over the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise that would be left behind by Terrafirma after the ongoing 49th season.

The Zamboanga Valientes hinted at the takover on Monday after announcing that they talking with PBA officials regarding the franchise sale.

According to the Valientes, a "mutual agreement" has been forged and the impending franchise sale is now up for approval of the PBA board of governors.

"Owning a team in the PBA would yet be another milestone for the city and people of Zamboanga. Big things are coming for Zamboanga basketball," Valientes' team owner, Junnie Navarro, said.

“Zamboanga Valientes has a proven competitive track record, both in the Philippines and the international basketball scene. Owning a franchise in the PBA is the next step towards our goal of showcasing Zamboangueño talent on the big stage,” Navarro's mother and Kings Asia Pacific president, Cory, added.

The Navarros were joined by Crewsharp chief executive officer Trevor Crewe in talking to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales regarding the future franchise transfer.

Navarro, a candidate for councilor in Zamboanga City, was seen watching the Dyip's PBA Philippine Cup debut against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on April 4.

The Valientes ruled the inaugural season of The Asian Tournament in their home city last year behind the dominance of former National Basketball Association superstar DeMarcus Cousins.

Earlier this year, they made their debut in the Dubai International Basketball Championship, parading seven-foot-five Sam Deguara.

The Valientes' announcement of the potential Terrafirma takeover came a day after Marcial revealed to reporters that Family's Brand Sardines also expressed its intent to join the PBA.

While he neither confirmed nor denied if Family's Brand, whose headquarters is also based in Zamboanga City, is likewise eyeing the Dyip franchise, Marcial said the Anita Kaw-owned company has been looking to join the PBA's prestigious five-on-five tournament for over a decade already.

"Si Ms. Anita Kaw mismo ang kausap ko. Nanonood sila ng PBA noon (I talked to Ms. Anita Kaw herself. They were watching a PBA game back then)," Marcial said.

Marcial then said that Family's Brand reiterated its PBA entry interest when Kaw's son Tippy, met with him during the clash between Magnolia and Phoenix at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City on Saturday.

The arena is home to both the Valientes and the Family's Brand-backed Zamboanga SiKat at the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Friends turned foes

The Kaws and the Navarros joined forces in founding the Zamboanga City franchise in the MPBL during the 2018-2019 season, using the Valientes moniker. They had a falling out later.

The Kaw family decided to continue the franchise and renamed the team Zamboanga-Family's Brand Sardines.

The team finally got a breakthrough in 2022 as it won the MPBL South Division championship behind the leadership of twin brothers Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, before settling for a runner-up finish in the national finals, falling in four games to eventual champion Nueva Ecija.

Along the way, Family's Brand also put up a sister team for Zamboanga in the MPBL, representing Bacolod, and in the defunct PBA 3x3, using its sister product, Master Sardines.

It was also revealed that Family's Brand looked to enter the PBA 5-on-5 by buying the Alaska franchise, but Converge eventually won the rights to take over the Aces' ownership, renaming them the FiberXers.

After letting go of the Bacolod franchise, the Kaws renamed the Zamboanga team to Zamboanga Master Sardines during last year's MPBL wars.

Despite the Marcelino twins' decision to leave Zamboanga for Nueva Ecija, the now-renamed SiKat remained a contender this season, currently sporting a 6-2 record.

More than six years after they clashed over financial issues hounding the SiKat club, both the Kaws and the Navarros could be at it again, this time for the new ownership of the Dyip.

Open race again

The Terrafirma franchise was suddenly up for grabs anew when the previous frontrunner in purchasing the club, Starhorse, called off its transfer talks.

Marcial confirmed that Starhorse, which is currently bankrolling the Basilan Portmasters in the MPBL, missed out on certain prerequisites that could have put the franchise up for approval from the PBA board, particularly on the financial side.

Starhorse engaged in talks with Terrafirma about buying its PBA franchise in February and the league's board was about to discuss it the following month.

However, talks stalled and the transfer did not push through.

According to PBA rules, a franchise transfer must get the approval of at least eight of the 12 team governors for it to push through.

Once they pay a transfer fee of at least PHP100 million following the approval, the new team owner can absorb an existing franchise lock, stock, and barrel, and also the future draft picks.

The new owner can take over the Dyip franchise as soon as the league's 50th season starts Oct. 5.

Amid uncertainties about the team's future, Terrafirma continues to play in the Philippine Cup, currently at 1-3 in the standings. (PNA)