MANILA, Philippines – A team insider has confirmed Barako Bull is in serious talks with a prospective franchise buyer, opening the possibility for the entry of a new ball club in the PBA as early as within the current PBA season.
“What can I say for now is that there’s really a serious discussion. How soon or how close it is to be a done deal is something I don’t know. It’s a high-level talk and very sensitive,” said The STAR source.
Speculations point to Phoenix Petroleum or Air21 as the entity that may take over Barako Bull.
The Air21 Express and the Barako Bull Energy used to be sister teams under the Lina Group umbrella until the former were acquired by the NLEX Road Warriors in 2014.
The source, however, ruled out the Air21 PBA return this early.
“Air21’s return to the PBA is always a possibility, but not at this time,” the source said.
Phoenix Petroleum, meanwhile, had applied for PBA membership ahead of NLEX, Mahindra and Blackwater. Phoenix’s PBA entry, however, was nixed with San Miguel Beer then playing under the banner Petron Blaze, a brand rival.
With pending PBA application are Lamoiyan Group and Racal Motors.
A franchise sale is subject to the approval of two-thirds of the membership of the 12-team local pro league.
Barako Bull has taken a leave of absence in the league before making a comeback when Linaheim took over as the majority owner of the energy drink company.
A team with a winning run under the Red Bull banner, the ball club has failed to regain old glory with constant coaching changes and player trades these past years.
The Energy have been under coaches Junel Baculi, Bong Ramos, Rajko Toroman and Koy Banal with the team failing to score a breakthrough.
Majority of their current players are formerly Barangay Ginebra Kings or San Miguel Beermen, including Willy Wilson, JC Intal, Josh Urbiztondo, Mick Pennisi, Jeric Fortuna, Eman Monfort, Chico Lanete, Rodney Brondial, Mac Baracael and James Forrester.