PBA issues trade moratorium for Aces until their last game
By Olmin Leyba
WITH Alaska Milk’s announced exit, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is now imposing a trade moratorium for the Aces from hereon until their last game in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
“Hindi na puwede mag-trade,” (They cannot trade) commissioner Willie Marcial said. “Kapag magdi-disband na ang team, wala nang trade.” (No trading if they disband).
The ban on player swapping for a departing squad followed the template applied during the 2004-05 season with the Shell, which back then was contemplating on leaving the league.
This was meant to keep the roster intact and possibly make the team more viable for a prospective buyer who wants to be competitive.
Alaska owner Fred Uy said they are open to the possibility of selling the franchise though, he added, there are “no immediate buyers at this point in time.”
Mr. Marcial said the pro league will wait for Alaska’s word on whether a new owner will take over its franchise at the end of Season 46.
The Aces didn’t reveal a price tag for the possible acquisition of its existing franchise. It can be noted that Terrafirma and Blackwater each paid P100 million to purchase a new franchise in 2014.
Mr. Marcial said Alaska’s potential buyer, if ever, will be subject to several processes, including financial checking, and ultimately needs the approval of the board of governors.
If a sale won’t happen, Alaska’s players led by Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter and Mike Digregorio will revert to the PBA and go to a dispersal draft, per league rules.
After 35 years, Alaska will end an era laced with 14 titles, including a rare grand slam in 1996.
“Going forward now without Alaska in the league seems ‘unnatural’ and I believe it will mark a time of great transition for the PBA,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who served Alaska for 23 years.
