A potential ‘merger’ between two PVL teams is quietly being explored.
The twist? The discussions do not involve sister teams.
SPIN.ph has learned that an established PVL franchise could soon join forces with a younger club, with the former’s core of players reportedly set to make up the bulk of the combined roster.
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While the exact motivation behind the proposal remains unclear, early indications suggest the move is largely driven by marketing considerations aimed at strengthening the visibility and reach of both brands.
As part of the plan, both teams are expected to release additional players in the coming weeks to make room for a unified lineup.
On the coaching front, the current direction points toward retaining the younger team’s head coach, who would take over from the veteran squad’s existing staff.
Any arrangement of such drastic nature would require approval from the league before it could move forward.
At this stage, however, discussions remain preliminary between the two teams, with no assurance that the unprecedented move will push through.
With the 2026 PVL season set to open on January 30, time is a key factor.
Whether the proposed merger proceeds or is ultimately shelved due to logistical and time constraints remains to be seen. - John Mark Garcia
After John Amores sighting in PBA game, any chance of a comeback?
THERE was a John Amores sighting at the Smart Araneta Coliseum a week ago during the final game of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations between Barangay Ginebra and Titan Ultra.
So is a comeback in the offing for the controversial shooting guard out of Jose Rizal University?
Not so fast, said to SPIN.ph sources, who pointed out the professional license of the 26-year-old Amores has been revoked by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) in 2024 following his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna.
“Hindi siya makakalaro dahil na-revoke nga ng GAB yung license niya. Kahit sa MPBL hindi yan makakalaro,” said one person privy to the situation of Amores.
The playing rights of Amores previously belonged to Northport, whose franchise has since been brought by Titan Ultra. He was a fifth-round pick of the Batang Pier (No. 51 overall) during the Season 48 draft.
Kume responds
Although banned from playing, Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league has no right to stop Amores from showing up in PBA games especially as a basketball fan.
“Basta bumili siya ng ticket or may nagbigay sa kanya (ng ticket), or inimbitahan siyang manood, wala namang problema doon,” said Marcial.
Following his controversial involvement in a brawl during an NCAA game between Jose Rizal and College of St. Benilde, Amores was given a new lease on his playing career after Northport gambled on him and picked him during the 2023 draft.
He was initially signed to a season-long contract and then was given a two-year extension after playing valuable minutes for the Batang Pier in his rookie season.
Then in September 2024, Amores became a hot item anew following his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna after a heated exchange during a pickup game.
He and his brother, John Red, fled the scene of the crime and later surrendered to the police.
In the aftermath of the incident, Amores was suspended by the PBA without pay, and advised to undergo counselling to ‘address his anger and violent tendencies.’
The GAB subsequently revoked his license.
A case was also filed against Amores and his brother regarding the shooting incident, but has since been dismissed last March after both parties apologized and agreed to a settlement. - Gerry Ramos
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