PBA commissioner saddened over Alaska exit; no more trades allowed for Aces

Alaska team owner Alfred Uytengsu and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Alaska and Wilfred Uytengsu have been one of the pillars of the PBA and the team’s departure will certainly be felt among basketball fans and members of league including commissioner Willie Marcial.

The PBA boss admitted that it was a somber feeling to see Alaska and Uytengsu leave after storied 35 year-stint in the league.

“I admit I was sad of their departure, but I thanked Mr. Fred Uytengsu for all the advices he’s always given me,” Marcial told INQUIRER.net on Wednesday on the heels of Alaska’s announcement.

“Alaska is still part of the PBA until this season’s end.”

The Aces’ departure will take effect after the ongoing 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup that had been stalled repeatedly by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uytengsu said that the company is looking to sell the Alaska franchise but there are no immediate buyers. If the franchise isn’t sold, the league will take control of it and the players will be listed in a dispersal draft.

Marcial also said that Alaska won’t be be allowed to make anymore trades. An emergency board meeting has always been set to discuss future plans in the light of Alaska’s departure.

Alaska, winner of 14 titles, is the second winningest team in the league along with the Purefoods franchise.

In 1996 the Aces, then known as the Milkmen, won the coveted Grand Slam making them only the third team, at that point, to capture the triple crown under coach Tim Cone.

In 2014 Cone collected another Grand Slam while coaching Magnolia.