Zamboanga Valientes Nearing Acquisition of Terrafirma PBA Franchise Amid Questions and Concerns
MANILA, Philippines — The sale of the Terrafirma Dyip PBA franchise to the Zamboanga Valientes is reportedly close to completion, with a July 11 deadline set to finalize financial terms related to the transaction. However, the looming deal — pegged at ₱100 million for the franchise and an additional ₱100 million in a five-year cash bond to the PBA — has sparked both excitement and concern within the basketball community.
According to veteran commentator Quinito Henson, the Valientes have already signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Terrafirma, signaling full intent to take over the team. The effort is being led by newly-elected Zamboanga City Second District Councilor Junnie Navarro, with support from his mother Cory Navarro, owner of the Kings Group of Companies. The Navarros are aiming to bring a "Zamboanga legacy" to the PBA, with former PBA star Manny Victorino acting as an adviser to help build a competitive squad.
Part of the blueprint includes retaining players under contract and possibly convincing high-profile names to return — notably Christian Standhardinger, whose PBA rights are still with Terrafirma. Although Standhardinger hasn’t suited up in the Philippine Cup and is technically a free agent, the new franchise is hoping to bring him back as a cornerstone of their rebuild.
First Overall Pick in Play
If the sale pushes through, Zamboanga stands to gain not just a team but also the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft on September 7, as Terrafirma is expected to finish last in the standings. This gives the incoming team a golden opportunity to reshape its future with elite young talent. Top draft prospects include Quentin Millora-Brown, Rhenz Abando, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Will Gozum, LJ Gonzales, Jason Brickman, and CJ Lane, among others.
Noli Eala Raises Alarm: “Is the PBA Desperate?”
Despite the buzz, the potential sale hasn’t been universally well-received.
Former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala took to social media to question the direction of the league, voicing doubts about Zamboanga Valientes’ capability to manage a PBA franchise.
“Is the PBA really serious that they will allow the Zamboanga Valientes as the buyer of the Terrafirma franchise?” Eala wrote on X. “Whatever happened to the multiple big corporations applying? Is the PBA really in desperation mode? My goodness.”
Eala compared the situation to the failed Starhorse-Basilan attempt earlier this year, a bid that was ultimately rejected due to the consortium's failure to meet financial requirements.
His criticism reflects a broader sentiment among some fans and insiders who had hoped the Terrafirma franchise would go to a big-name corporation, capable of injecting strong financial backing and improving league competitiveness. The concern is that the league may be prioritizing filling the vacant slot over ensuring the long-term sustainability of the team.
A Pivotal Moment for the PBA
The league now finds itself at a critical juncture. On one hand, the Zamboanga Valientes offer a fresh narrative and potential regional expansion for the PBA — an opportunity to grow the game in Mindanao and inject new energy into the league. The presence of well-connected figures like Junnie Navarro and Manny Victorino lends some credibility to the project.
On the other hand, doubts persist about whether the Valientes — primarily known for their grassroots and MPBL presence — are ready for the financial and competitive demands of the PBA.
While the July 11 deadline looms, all eyes are on the PBA Commissioner’s Office and its Board of Governors. Will they greenlight the sale, or will concerns about sustainability and league image prevail?
One thing is certain: if approved, the Zamboanga Valientes will be one of the most closely watched teams in the PBA’s landmark 50th season — both on and off the court.
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