Why Starhorse Basilan’s Entry Into the PBA Will Change the League
IF and when the Starhorse Basilan team finalizes its acquisition of the Terrafirma Dyip’s PBA franchise, the league could be in for a major shake-up. Unlike past teams that entered the PBA and struggled to find relevance, team owner Jackson Chua has already made one thing clear:
"We will form a very competitive team; we won’t be anyone’s ‘farm team,’ if there is such!"
Chua’s words alone should excite basketball fans who are tired of the usual super team vs. farm team narrative that has plagued the league for years. His approach suggests that Starhorse Basilan is entering the PBA with one goal in mind—winning.
Chua’s Aura Matches the League’s Most Fierce Team Owners
If you look at Jackson Chua’s aura, it carries the same bravado and winning mentality seen in PBA power figures like Alfrancis Chua (San Miguel Corporation) and Delta Pineda (TNT/PLDT Group). These are the type of leaders who hate losing, and they make sure their teams are always built to compete.
In the MPBL, Chua’s Starhorse Basilan squad was a powerhouse, and if not for COVID-19’s disruptions, they could have won a championship. His commitment to excellence suggests he won’t allow his PBA team to fall into the same trap as Terrafirma, where promising players get traded away before they even have a chance to make an impact.
A Locked and Loaded Future for Starhorse Basilan
Unlike Terrafirma’s previous approach, which was more about accumulating draft picks only to trade them away, Chua has already made moves to ensure his roster remains intact once the sale is completed.
"Bakit tayo papayag na ma-trade key players natin?" Chua said.
This is a breath of fresh air for PBA fans who have grown frustrated with the imbalance in team competitiveness. Even better, Terrafirma’s future first-round picks remain untouched, giving Starhorse Basilan an opportunity to rebuild the right way.
What This Means for the PBA
If Starhorse Basilan enters the league with a real commitment to competing, it could change the PBA landscape:
- A new independent contender will emerge, breaking the usual cycle of predictable championship teams.
- More balanced competition, which could increase fan engagement and TV ratings.
- Higher expectations for struggling franchises like Blackwater, which may now feel the pressure to step up.
Jackson Chua’s presence alone already signals that Terrafirma’s days of being an easy target for star-hungry teams may be over. The PBA should welcome this kind of competitive fire—it’s exactly what the league needs.
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