Arvin Tolentino weighs PBA vs. overseas opportunity amid NorthPort contract talks

The PBA remains Arvin Tolentino’s top priority now that he’s in the middle of contract talks with NorthPort after his old deal expired recently.

But the star forward won’t deny that playing overseas is alluring as well, for it’s something that players like him would want to tick off their bucket list.

“Oo naman. I’m sure lahat naman siguro, nasa bucket list ‘yun,” he said on the heels of the Batang Pier’s narrow 105-104 defeat to Bong Quinto and Meralco in PBA Philippine Cup action at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, Friday night.

Tolentino admitted that clubs from abroad have sent offers after learning that he’s become a restricted free agent following the end of his pact last April 30 — the main reason why he’s missed two of their last three games.

Tiebreaker Times had earlier reported that while NorthPort technically has the right to “auto-extend” his contract until the end of the conference per the new league rules, a team insider shared that he has yet to consent to it.

Asked about the real score between him and his mother team, the 29-year-old said that nothing is cast in stone yet as both sides are still in discussions.

“I’m still in talks with my team, with NorthPort. Nothing final yet,” he said. “We’re on good terms–actually very supportive sina Coach Bonnie [Tan], sina Boss Erick Arejola, si Coach Pido [Jarencio]. In-open ko sa kanila.

“They’re very supportive and I appreciate that from them. But for now, nothing final–yet. I’m still with the team,” the former FEU star added.

It’s because he’s weighing his options as well, wanting, of course, to come up with the best possible decision for his career — and for his family.

“I’m looking at everything, to be honest,” said Tolentino.

“Siyempre bihira lang ‘yung opportunity na ganun eh. You know, getting offers from overseas; at the same time meron din dito sa PBA, with NorthPort. Wine-weigh ko pa.”

Again, he is, in his words, “very open” to staying put in the PBA although it’s difficult for him to choose whether he’ll remain or leave.

“That’s actually my priority. Dahil, of course, ito pa rin ‘yung dream ko eh, sa PBA,” said the two-time league champion and one-time BPC.

“I feel like I’m in good hands with NorthPort, with my coaches and the management. I’m in a comfortable situation, kumbaga,” added Tolentino.

“Of course, I still want to play here. Medyo mahirap nga lang mag-decide.”

#WATCH: Arvin Tolentino shares updates on his talks with NorthPort and reveals he’s also received offers from overseas clubs 🏀

📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA2025 #KBL pic.twitter.com/vAPU46b3sk

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 9, 2025