KIA, BLACKWATER KNOCK ON PBA’S DOORS
The PBA has officially announced the application of two new teams, paving the way for a possible league expansion in time for its 40th anniversary.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud told mediamen about the letters of intent submitted last week by Kia Motors Philippines and Blackwater Sports.
“Our office has received two formal letters of intent to join the PBA in its 2015 season: Columbia Automotive Corporation (Team KIA) and Ever Bilena Inc ( Blackwater Sports),” said Salud.
“Their admission as new franchise holders is subject to a 3/4 approval by the Board of Governors after evaluation of their financial capacity, among others, by the Commissioner and the recommendation resulting from such assessment,” added the lawyer league chieftain.
Blackwater Sports has been very vocal about their application while Colombia Motors wanted little fanfare.
“Mas nauna pa nga nagpasa yung Kia. Kasi Friday lang nagsubmit letter of intent ang Blackwater,” said a PBA official.
“We are very happy because we’ll be seeing a bigger and more exciting league next season,” the official added.
If and when Blackwater Sports and Kia get the nod of the Board in a meeting set Thursday, the fans will witness the first time in its 39-year history that the PBA will have 12 teams in its fold.
Rain or Shine team co-owner Raymund Yu has been very elated by the recent developments ,saying the PBA is indeed one of the most powerful marketing tools in the country.
“It brings tremendous product recall to your brand. Saka sa case namin, basketball fans kami. Ang sarap mag cheer sa team mo at the same time. It’s (PBA) an exciting form of advertising,” said Yu, whose Rain or Shine and Welcoat paint brands have been dominant players in the market for years now. (SBadua)
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