Two firms interested in joining pro league

PBA commissioner Noli Eala said Sunday night that negotiations were on-going with two potential league applicants, raising the possibility of getting a replacement for the Shell squad in the near future.

Following a successful PBA annual rookie draft, Eala said the league is now in the process of accepting a new ball club for the 2005-06 season, pointing out a 10-team cast is ideal in the operations of the country’s premier pro league.

Eala said the latest party which expressed interest in joining the league is a big conglomerate dealing with consumer products. The PBA commissioner said they had their first talk last Friday. The other applicant opened discussions with Eala a few days after Shell had filed a leave of absence from the league.

Basically, Eala discussed with the two parties the terms given to the latest teams to join the league as an expansion ball club (Red Bull) and as direct franchise-buyer (FedEx).

Red Bull bought a franchise in 2000 worth P63 million payable in three years. It was given a concession of being allowed to bring in five of its players from the amateur ranks (Davonn Harp, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Jimwell Torion and Bernard Tanpua) plus one direct hire Fil-Am player in Mick Pennisi.