ANTIPOLO – Another major player has thrown its name into the hat after Family’s Brand Sardines once again expressed interest in joining the PBA.
Commissioner Willie Marcial on Sunday disclosed that Tippy Kaw of Universal Canning Incorporated (UCI) has sent a feeler as they met during the league’s recent trip to Zamboanga City for a Season 49 Philippine Cup game.
In fact, the two sat next to each other and watched Magnolia remain unbeaten in the conference by crushing Phoenix, 118-99, at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.
“Nakipag-usap tungkol sa PBA. pero tingnan natin. Baka. Baka lang,” he said. “Pero nag-usap kami. Matagal kaming nag-usap regarding PBA.”
Marcial, though, declined to confirm if it is among the three potential buyers that his office has been speaking to after the sale of the Terrafirma franchise to shipping company Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc. fell through.
But the league chieftain did say that UCI, owned by Anita Kaw, has been wanting to join the league for about 12 to 14 years now.
“Matagal na sila. Twelve o 14 years ago pa, at si Ms. Anita Kaw mismo kausap ko,” he said. “Nanonood pa sila ng PBA at nag-sponsor pa noon.”
UCI reportedly inquired about the Alaska franchise when Alaska Milk Corporation pulled out of the league in 2022.
First broken by Tiebreaker Times, the news came shortly after the company committed to joining the PBA 3×3 carrying the Master Sardines banner.
The Aces franchise, though, was eventually bought by Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. of Dennis Anthony Uy, marking the entry of the FiberXers.
But apparently, that did not stop UCI from aspiring to join the PBA, especially now that the Dyip are looking for a new buyer with Starhorse out of the picture.
UCI was previously involved in the MPBL as the title sponsor of Zamboanga from 2019 to last year, and of Bacolod as well for a time.
#WATCH: PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial reveals which companies are eyeing the Terrafirma franchise 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA2025 pic.twitter.com/ZBm7GX45ZG
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 27, 2025
