Terrafirma is staying in the PBA — for now.
Season 50 of Asia’s pioneering pro league will still see 12 teams competing after talks between the Dyip and the Zamboanga Valientes fell through.
“Regarding doon sa Terrafirma-Valientes negotiation, nag-bog down. Hindi nag-materialize ‘yung deal ng dalawa,” disclosed Commissioner Willie Marcial.
This development assures that the 2025-26 competitions will not be a team short, as the league chieftain guaranteed in an interview last week.
For months, Terrafirma, led by Gov. Bobby Rosales, had spoken to potential buyers after the franchise was put up for sale after another depressing season.
The Valientes of newly-elected councilor Junnie Navarro would then emerge as the frontrunner after Starhorse Shipping Lines backed out.
So aggressive were Navarro & Co. that the league was under the impression that it would push through, but fate, unfortunately, had other plans.
(C) PBA Images
“Ang lumabas, there were terms and requirements by both teams na hindi nag-meet,” said legal counsel and PBA corporate secretary, Atty. Ogie Narvasa.
“Siyempre alam niyo naman ang negotiations, may hihingiin ‘yung isa, may hihingin ‘yung isa,” he added, “eh mukhang hindi nagkasundo.
“It’s a mutual decision not to pursue the sale and purchase,” added Narvasa.
The Dyip have committed to play for the entirety of Season 50, the league said, with team governor Bobby Rosales now planning to “beef up” the roster.
The team still has seven players under contract.
“Nung meeting, sinabi ni Gov. Bobby, they have their plans,” Narvasa said.
“Hindi naman sinabi sa amin paano, syempre strategy nila ‘yun, but he has plans to beef up and have a full lineup,” he continued.
Asked if there are still entities interested in buying the Terrafirma franchise, Narvasa said there are none and that the team will operate as a regular team.
“There’s no sale as of the moment,” he said.
#WATCH: TULOY ANG BYAHE NG DYIP! 🚗
Terrafirma rolls on and stays in the league for #PBA50 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/XHIvpXbPpN
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/ICwHf2i4Ol
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 18, 2025
