PBA board to discuss Barako Bull's exit

MANILA, Philippines - The PBA board of governors convenes today to discuss Barako Bull’s plan to withdraw from the league and sell its franchise to Phoenix Fuel.

Up to yesterday, there’s no certainty on whether the Barako Bull-Phoenix sale deal would be approved. The PBA member teams refused to comment on the issue.

Barako Bull needs at least two-thirds vote (seven out of 10) of the board for the sale to be consummated and Phoenix Fuel to be accepted as the league’s new member ball club.

Board chairman Rene Pardo, however, told The STAR their priority is the Barako Bull team.

“We’ll ask them why they want to withdraw? What will happen to their equity in the league?” said Pardo.

Barako Bull has informed the league of its intention to fold up since it is shifting its business strategy.

The Energy Food and Drink, Inc.’s officials have admitted it would be difficult for them to continue maintaining a ball club at the moment while locked in a legal battle with their main principal TC Pharmaceuticals Industries Co., manufacturer of Red Bull in Thailand.

Thus up for discussion are  the Barako Bull’s planned exit and the sale of its franchise to Phoenix Fuel.

The sale may face uphill battle since Phoenix Fuel is a direct business competitor of Petron, the brand San Miguel Corp. is fielding in place of San Miguel Beer starting the third conference.

 The SMC group has three votes and they’re likely to cast a negative vote. Only one other ballclub abstaining will doom Phoenix Fuel’s bid to join the league.

In this case, a Barako Bull source said their options are to stay on active status, appeal the board for extension of their inactive status and/or look for another franchise buyer.

 Another buyer, however, will also need two-thirds vote of the board for approval.

The matter would be easily resolved if the board approves the Barako Bull-Phoenix deal, paving the way for Phoenix’s simple takeover of the Barako team.

 Pardo, however, said they might not reach the “Phoenix issue” since they would first focus on the Barako Bull franchise.

 Barako has earlier made a commitment to return in the third conference after taking a leave of absence in the Commissioner’s Cup to give way to Smart Gilas.

 Under the league by-laws, a team can’t leave the league in the middle of the season.

 Barako faces the worst scenario of losing its franchise or the rights to sell it. Barako, however, is likely to fight for it.