Is Strong Group Athletics Eyeing a PBA Entry? We Hope So
If all the puzzle pieces fall into place, the PBA could be on the verge of a major shake-up. Strong Group Athletics (SGA), backed by billionaire Frank Lao, is reportedly making moves to acquire the Phoenix Fuel Masters, adding intrigue to an already dynamic league landscape.
This news comes just after Starhorse Shipping Lines' reported takeover of Terrafirma, signaling a potential wave of fresh investment into the league. With its deep financial resources and strong international player connections, SGA would be an ideal addition to the PBA. The only thing missing? An open door into the league.
Is Phoenix Really Selling?
Phoenix’s team manager Paul Bugia has already denied the rumors, calling them “completely unfounded and absolutely false.” However, history has shown that team sales often start with rumors before becoming reality. Even Mark Cuban’s sale of the Dallas Mavericks came as a shock to many in the NBA.
The question is: Is Phoenix really looking to exit?
Despite being one of the more competitive independent teams in the league since its entry in 2016, Phoenix has faced financial struggles, much like other squads that aren’t backed by major conglomerates. If Lao makes an offer too big to refuse, will Phoenix owner Dennis Uy seriously consider it?
Why Strong Group Is a Perfect Fit for the PBA
SGA is not new to professional sports. It already owns Zus Coffee and the Farm Fresh Foxies in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). More importantly, it has a history of investing millions in basketball through its participation in the Dubai Invitational Tournament, where it has fielded high-level squads featuring PBA stars and foreign reinforcements.
Lao’s business empire spans mining, hotels, restaurants, and more, so money is not an issue. If they enter the PBA, expect them to immediately contend and invest heavily in talent acquisition.
The challenge? Getting two-thirds approval from the PBA Board. Just like Starhorse, SGA needs at least 8 of the 12 PBA governors to approve the sale. The conglomerate-backed teams can still block it if they feel it will disrupt their dominance.
A Better Move: Strong Group as the 13th PBA Team
While SGA acquiring Phoenix would bring excitement, there’s a better scenario for the league: Strong Group entering the PBA as the 13th franchise instead of taking over an existing team.
If that happens, the number of independent teams would rise to five:
✅ Meralco Bolts
✅ Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
✅ Blackwater Bossing
✅ Starhorse (if Terrafirma sale is approved)
✅ Strong Group Athletics (as the 13th team)
This would break the dominance of the corporate-backed squads, adding real competition and parity to the league.
For now, we can only hope that Strong Group is truly doing everything to enter the PBA—whether by acquiring Phoenix or, even better, as an expansion team. A new, well-funded independent squad is exactly what the league needs.
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