The Zamboanga Valientes, a Zamboanga-based basketball club, is nearing a deal to acquire the Terrafirma franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The Valientes claim that a "mutual agreement" has been reached and that the PBA board of governors is now considering whether to approve the next franchise sale.
Zamboanga’s dream
Owning a PBA franchise would be another significant accomplishment for Zamboanga, according to Junnie Navarro, owner of the Zamboanga Valientes.
“Big things are coming for Zamboanga basketball," Navarro said.
“Zamboanga Valientes has a proven competitive track record, both in the Philippines and the international basketball scene. Owning a franchise in the PBA is the next step towards our goal of showcasing Zamboangueño talent on the big stage,” Cory Navarro, Junnie’s mother, added.
Crewsharp CEO Trevor Crewe joined the Navarros in discussing the upcoming franchise transfer with Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
Valientes’ basketball lineage
DeMarcus Cousins, a former National Basketball Association star, guided the Valientes to victory in the first season of The Asian Tournament in their hometown last year.
They debuted at the Dubai International Basketball Championship earlier this year, bringing seven-foot-five Sam Deguara with them.
Meanwhile, another Zamboanga-based firm, Family's Brand Sardines, also expressed its intent to join the PBA.
