Chances of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines becoming the newest PBA franchise did not even reached the first base. In a PBA board meeting yesterday, Phoenix bid to buy the inactive Red Bull franchise was denied after failing to muster the required votes among the 10 current clubs. Phoenix needs at least seven votes to make it but lost in the final count, 6-4. San Miguel Corporation, which owns the San Miguel Beer, B-Meg Derby Ace and Ginebra San Miguel ball clubs, plus Air21 voted against the entry of Phoenix. It’s all because the SMC Group will tap Petron Blaze, which is a business rival of Phoenix, to take over the SMB squad beginning in the next conference. Many foresee the turn of events as something not healthy to Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league as it clearly shows that SMC cares only after its business and not the over-all welfare of the league. On the other hand, Air21’s move also further strengthen the rumors that it will be sold to the SMC group very soon. PBA has lost the rivalry concept since the Toyota-Crispa and Tanduay-Ginebra days. Phoenix entry could have brought a new healthy rivalry with Petron. However, PBA commissioner Chito Salud remains hopeful that despite its failed bid to acquire an existing PBA franchise, Phoenix will still make it as a league member in the near future, according to the Philippine Star. But with the league fast becoming a domain of the SMC Group, chances are close to nil.
“The proposed transfer of Barako Bull to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines has been disapproved by the board. It has failed to garner the needed two-thirds vote as mandated by the PBA constitution. The PBA wants to extend its gratitude to the Phoenix group and its owners for showing interest and enthusiasm in joining the PBA. We wish the group to keep its mind and heart open to joining the PBA in the future.”
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