Terrafirma is not for sale at the moment, according to PBA officials. Rights to certain players like Christian Standhardinger remain with the Dyip.
Terrafirma is here to stay.
The PBA announced this development during halftime of Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT Friday, July 18.
Apparently, the negotiation between the Dyip and the Zamboanga Valientes fell through.
“Hindi nag-materialize 'yong deal ng dalawa,” league commissioner Willie Marcial told reporters in a brief press conference.
“Ang Terrafirma ay patuloy pa ring sasali sa'tin. 12 teams pa rin tayo sa 50th.”
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As much as Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro wanted to purchase the franchise that entered the league as an expansion team in 2014, both parties just did not agree on some terms.
“Ang lumabas, there were terms and requirements by both teams na hindi nag-meet. Siyempre, alam niyo naman ang negotiations, 'di ba? May hinihingi 'yong isa, may hinihingi 'yong isa. Eh, mukang hindi nagkasundo,” said PBA board secretary Atty. Ogie Narvasa.
“It’s a mutual decision not to pursue the sale and purchase.”
Marcial clarified that the Terrafirma franchise still holds the right to certain players, including Christian Standhardinger, who has not suited up since December 2024.
Right now, the Dyip, under governor Bobby Rosales’ leadership, is rebuilding the team in time for the 50th season.
“They have plans to beef up their lineup and have a full lineup,” Narvasa said.
“Tuluy-tuloy na 'yan. They already committed to stay.”