PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial squashed rumors that Alaska will soon disband and end its decades-long tenure in the league.
“‘Di ko alam kung saan galing, pero pitong taon ko na nariring na aalis Alaska, hindi nangyayari,” said Marcial in Tuesday’s PSA Forum, which is powered by Smart and presented by San Miguel Corporation, Go For Gold, Amelie Hotel, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
“Hindi aalis ang Alaska sa PBA as of now.”
Last June 6, renowned PBA insider Snow Badua of Spin.ph took to Twitter and wrote that, per his sources, the Aces are on their way out of the league.
Rumors have persisted since, and Chooks-to-Go, a pioneer in the growth of 3×3 in the Philippines, was dragged into it as it is said to acquire Alaska’s franchise.
But then, Marcial said that there is no truth to the online talk regarding the storied franchise’s future in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
The amiable executive even shared that team governor Dickie Bachmann only laughed at the matter upon learning about such.
“Kausap ko si Governor Dickie Bachman, tinawanan lang ako,” he said.
“Sa pagkakaalam ko, walang katotohanan. Kaya nga ‘di ko naman ina-address ‘yun kasi wala naman eh. As of now, sa pagkaaalam ko, at kausap ko si Governor Dickie Bachmann, wala.”
Marcial added that such an issue wasn’t even brought up during the recent board meeting.
“Sabi pa nga sa’kin ni Gov. Dickie, ‘Yung mga kulang kong tickets, babayaran ko lahat.’ Wala, active siya. Honestly, wala talaga,” he said.
Alaska is one of the most successful franchises in the PBA with 14 championships under its belt, including a rare Grand Slam feat in 1996. It is now entering its 35th season in the league.
The Milkmen last won a championship in 2013. And just last season, they have started the rebuilding phase under new head coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
