A sad day not just for the Philippine Basketball Association but also for Philippine basketball, in general.
That’s how ingrained the Alaska franchise has been to the sport over the past 36 years.
Particularly emotional was league commissioner Willie Marcial as he not only saw Alaska owner Fred Uytengsu as a business partner but also as a mentor and, more importantly, a friend.
“It’s really a sad day hindi lamang para sa Philippine basketball pero lalo na sa PBA,” expressed Marcial.
“Sabi ko nga kay Mr. Fred, thank you for all the advices, for the friendship, at sa lahat lahat.”
Whispers of possible disbandment for Alaska has long been going on since 2012 when Dutch dairy cooperative Royal FrieslandCampina bought the company for €227-million.
But as the years went by, the whispers became talks. And on Wednesday, February 16, the talks became a statement.
In good faith, Uytengsu, the league’s chairman in seasons 20 and 26, had first notified current chairman Ricky Vargas of the company’s decision to pull the plug on their team. It was with a heavy heart that Vargas accepted it.
“Nakakalungkot talaga.
“Kinausap kami ni Chairman Vargas kanina na magkakaroon ng emergency board meeting on the next steps na gagawin natin after this,” shared Marcial. “Alaska will still be bonafide members of the league until after this season.”
Set to be discussed are the scenarios that will take place if no one buys Alaska’s franchise, the process of dissolution, and, of course, a fitting farewell to the 14-time PBA champions.
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