Sale Of Terrafirma Did Not Push Through

Just when the PBA fans are about to see some improved and quality plays, a hammer came crushing down last 18 July to squash that hope. Terrafirma Dyip decided to stay put for the PBA’s 50th season instead of fading away.

League commissioner Willie Marcial announced that plans to sell the Dyip franchise to the Zamboanga Valientes fell through as the two teams failed to strike an agreement.

"Regarding the Terrafirma-Valientes negotiation, it bogged down. The deal between the two did not materialize," said Marcial in a mix of Filipino and English. "Terrafirma will continue joining us. We’ll still have 12 teams for the 50th."

The Dyip put their franchise up for sale at the start of the year, engaging in discussions with the Starhorse Shipping Lines.

When those talks fell apart, the Valientes emerged as the top prospect to acquire the Terrafirma franchise considering their basketball history.

The Valientes ruled the inaugural The Asian Tournament with former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins, and also competed in the ASEAN Basketball League and the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

PBA legal counsel Ogie Narvasa said Terrafirma and Zamboanga simply did not come to terms.

"It was a mutual decision not to pursue the sale and purchase," said Narvasa said.

There were also talks about the disbandment of the franchise, but Marcial assured in an interview that either Terrafirma will join or a different party.

According to Narvasa, Dyip governor Bobby Rosales said the team has the intention to "beef up" its lineup, with only seven players signed to the team.

Stanley Pringle already left as he joined Rain or Shine as an unrestricted free agent.

Terrafirma still holds the rights to stars Terrence Romeo and Christian Standhardinger, who expressed his desire to retire back in November.

Joining the PBA in 2014, the Dyip have struggled to put together a winning season as they reached the quarterfinals just twice in 26 conferences.

This season, Terrafirma missed the playoffs of all three conferences, accumulating a lowly 3-30 record.