Pureblends takeover of Northport only a matter of time, says PBA Chair

PBA Board Chairman Ricky Vargas suggested the finalization of Pureblends Corp. takeover of Northport Batang Pier during the first day of the annual planning session at the MGM Grand on Wednesday.

Vargas hinted at the possibility of the takeover becoming complete before the leagues’ historic 50th season commences.

“It may happen any time. Talks are very serious about NorthPort,” said Vargas. “We may expect a new team in the PBA in the opening of the 50th season.”

This comes after league Commissioner Willie Marcial said that the sale had not yet been finalized, and a review committee is reviewing the documents.

“Wala pang final. ‘Yong letter of intent and other documents, ipinasa namin sa review committee. Sila ang gagawa ng recommendation,” Marciual said on the league’s website.

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KOON-IN NA ‘YAN! 🙌🏼

Northport Batang Pier select Chris Koon as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft!#PBA50 #PBADraft #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/8U5e7qfJNO

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 7, 2025

Pureblends, a food manufacturing company best known for its baking mixes, had formally expressed its intent to join the league by submitting documents to the PBA review committee. But financial statements and other requirements must first be scrutinized before the proposal can be forwarded for a final vote.

Last month, takeover discussions between Starhorse Shipping Lines and Terrafirma Dyip failed to materialize after the former reportedly failed to comply with financial requirements.

Northport had taken over the drafting duties in the recently concluded Draft, picking former Ateneo guard Chris Koon with the fifth overall pick, as well as CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia among others.

There were also moves at the top as former team governor Eric Arejola joined Magnolia as an alternate governor, while former team manager Waiyip Chong joined Terrafirma.

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