If you’ve been keeping an eye on the local basketball scene, you might’ve heard the chatter—NorthPort Batang Pier might just be packing up and pulling out of the PBA. Yep, we’re talking about a full-on franchise sale, and the story behind it is… well, let’s just say it’s more than just a rumor.
Let’s dive into what’s really going on with one of the league’s more colorful teams and what the possible franchise shuffle could mean for the PBA’s future.
A Long Time Coming?
To those closely following NorthPort’s saga, this isn’t coming out of nowhere. According to insiders, whispers of an impending sale had been floating around the locker room as early as Season 49.
“It’s been a long time coming,” a source shared—casually confirming what many fans had only been speculating about for months.
While nothing’s officially confirmed, word on the street is that a big-time company from the food and beverage sector is eyeing the franchise—possibly ready to take the reins, lock, stock, and barrel.
And no, they’re not ready to spill the beans just yet.
Silence from the Top
Despite the growing chatter, don’t expect the team or league officials to give juicy details anytime soon.
NorthPort’s management? Radio silence.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial? Totally in the dark—well, officially, anyway.
He says he hasn’t heard of any deals, offers, or even negotiation talks, which is either a major cover-up or a true surprise that everyone’s scrambling to understand.
Mixed Signals: What About Terrafirma?
In a weird twist, this situation is looking eerily similar to what happened with Terrafirma just a while back.
Remember them? They were almost sold to two different groups—Starhorse and the Zamboanga Valientes—but both deals fizzled. In the end, Terrafirma decided to stick around for the PBA’s milestone 50th season, saving the 12-team format… for now.
But NorthPort’s fate? That’s still up in the air.
Stars Are Leaving — And Fast
One of the biggest signs that something is changing? Look at the roster shake-ups.
- Arvin Tolentino, their fiery scorer and Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference, took his talents to South Korea’s Seoul SK Knights.
- JM Calma was traded to San Miguel Beer right after recovering from a knee injury.
- Paul Zamar didn’t get re-signed after his ACL mishap.
- William Navarro was swapped out to Magnolia—yep, that’s the Calvin Abueva deal.
- Allyn Bulanadi? Gone. He signed with the MPBL’s Pangasinan Heatwaves.
- Even more surprising, new Batang Pier players like Abueva, Jio Jalalon, and Sidney Onwubere have mostly been seen playing in exhibition games—outside of the PBA spotlight.
It’s almost like they’re emptying the locker room before the next owner moves in.
NorthPort’s PBA Legacy: Short but Noteworthy
Let’s give credit where it’s due—NorthPort may not have multiple titles under their belt, but they’ve had their moments.
Their best playoff run? A semifinal finish in the Commissioner’s Cup led by—you guessed it—Arvin Tolentino. They took a solid swing at championship glory but fell short, losing 4-1 to Barangay Ginebra.
Their only other Final Four appearance happened back in the 2015-2016 Philippine Cup. Not a storied dynasty, but definitely enough to make waves from time to time.
So, Who’s Knocking at the PBA’s Door?
NorthPort isn’t the only team in the spotlight for a potential sale. The PBA’s been fielding feelers from several groups trying to enter the league—most notably Universal Canning Inc., the company behind Master Sardines and Family’s Brand Sardines.
During a recent out-of-town game in Zamboanga City, Marcial supposedly even chatted with the company’s brass. While it’s unclear whether they’ll come in via expansion or by acquiring an existing team, it’s obvious that brands are hungry for a slice of that PBA action.
What’s Next for NorthPort and the PBA?
So, is NorthPort actually leaving, or is this all just smoke and mirrors? Honestly, we’re not 100% sure—yet.
But between the player exodus, whispers of a franchise buyout, and the proven interest from business giants looking to break into pro basketball, a major shakeup feels closer than ever.
One thing’s for certain: The PBA is evolving, and the next few months could bring moves we’ve never seen before.
So keep your eyes peeled, and your jersey collections flexible—who knows what team names we’ll be cheering for soon!
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
- NorthPort Batang Pier might be sold to a major F&B company.
- Players are leaving left and right—pretty telling, right?
- No official word from the PBA, but insiders say it’s “been in the works.”
- Terrafirma had a similar near-sale recently.
- Sardine brands (yes, really) are also sniffing around the league.
If you’re a hoops fan, buckle up. The PBA could be in for one thrilling offseason.
📝 Stay updated with us as we follow this developing story. Got thoughts on NorthPort’s potential exit? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear from fellow fans!