MVP keen on stake at Golden State

MANILA, Philippines - After an aborted plan to buy a majority stake in the Sacramento Kings franchise, Filipino businessman and No. 1 sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan has not given up on his bid to be part of the NBA.

A basketball source said Pangilinan, better known in sports and business circles as MVP, is now looking at the Golden State Warriors.

Pangilinan responded to the news yesterday but did not confirm whether he wants a stake in the Golden State franchise.

“Yes, I said (before) that I remained interested in an NBA team, even in a modest stake – just to learn,” said Pangilinan in a text message forwarded to the media by Pato Gregorio of the MVP Group.

The source said the huge presence of Filipinos in California makes MVP’s plan to be involved with the Golden State franchise even more feasible.

NBA commissioner David Stern was in the country for the pre-season game between the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets the other night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Stern sat down with Pangilinan, and the PLDT/Smart big boss must have discussed his intentions to be part of the NBA with the outgoing commissioner.

“He (Stern) said we’d be welcome although franchise prices have gone up,” added Pangilinan.

In 2010, the Golden State franchise was sold by Chris Cohan to Joe Lacob and his partner Peter Guber of Mandalay Entertainment for $450 million.

A recent Yahoo! Sports report, however, indicated that the Golden State franchise is now worth $800 million.

In 2011, MVP created a buzz among Filipino sports fans when it was reported that he was eyeing a majority stake in the Sacramento Kings franchise. The amount involved was said to be at least $260 million.

“I have to admit, the idea is very titillating,” said MVP then. 

Pangilinan had also said he wants to stage the Smart All-Stars for the second time. It was first held in 2011 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NBA superstars Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul played an exhibition game against a PBA selection. The NBA team won with lots of ease, 131-105. 

Last August, the Philippines successfully hosted the FIBA-Asia Basketball Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Pangilinan, as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, was behind the event which was a big hit. Gilas Pilipinas made it to the finals by beating South Korea but lost to Iran in the final match.

As runner-up, the Philippines earned a berth to the 2014 World Championship in Spain, a first for the country since 1978.