CHICAGO - If the stars align, the PBA is about to get real exciting. New blood, new money - lots of it - is coming in.
Strong Group Athletics, multiple sources bared, is making a move to acquire the Phoenix Fuel Masters franchise. The development comes shortly after the news that Starhorse Shipping Lines is taking over Terrafirma.
READ Terrafirma's PBA franchise to be sold to Starhorse Shipping Lines
With its vast resources, access to players locally and internationally, plus an army of coaches in their stable, SGA is ready-made for the PBA. Only an open door was lacking, until now, perhaps.
But an aggressive buyer needs a willing seller.
Is Phoenix ready to throw in the towel after a relatively short but successful run in the league which began in 2016?
NOT QUITE.
"This is completely unfounded and absolutely false," Fuel Masters team manager Paul Bugia told me via text message.
In the case of Terrafirma, for instance, I am told that team governor Bobby Rosales was reportedly aware, and even active, in the negotiations with regards to Starhorse's bid.
But did Dyip manager Ronald Tubid and the players know?
And when Mark Cuban sold his majority stake of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA in December of 2023, it sure came as a surprise to everybody.
SGA, meanwhile, told SPIN,ph:"We won't confirm or deny."
WHEN THERE'S SMOKE THERE'S FIRE.
Owning a PBA franchise is not cheap. If Phoenix indeed decides to sell, the transfer of ownership will cost SGA's billionaire owner Frank Lao whatever asking price is attached, say for example, P100 million.
A sale will also mean Lao will inherit the contracts of the players, coaches and other Phoenix employees.
With a vast portfolio that includes interests in mining, hotels, a myriad of restaurants and other ventures, money is not an object for SGA, which pours millions annually in its participation at the Dubai Invitational Tournament.
Running a pro sports team, however, won't be alien to Strong Group which owns Zus Coffee and the Farm Fresh Foxies in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Just like Starhorse before it, SGA's desire to join the PBA will require a two-thirds vote from the members of the 12-man board.
I know how Phoenix team owne Dennis Uy is so passionate about his Fuel Masters, but what if Frank Lao makes him an offer that is impossible to refuse?
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