Alaska looks to sell franchise after shock exit from PBA

The Alaska Aces are now looking for buyers of their franchise following their exit from the PBA after 35 years.

According to team owner Fred Uytengsu, there are no prospect buyers as of the moment as they have just arrived at the exit decision just a couple of days ago. However, he said that the team is open to the idea of selling the franchise.

"Well, first of all, there are no immediate buyers at this point in time but it remains a possibility that we can sell our team, our franchise to another company if they want to come in at the end of the season," said Uytengsu in a press conference following the announcement Wednesday.

Uytengsu admitted that the decision didn't come easy, saying that sports marketing was a useful tool that the company used in the past for promoting its brand and ideals. However, he said the company is now tackling a new path as they move forward.

"There is never a good time to break this news. Something like this is always a difficult concept. Dicky (Bachmann) and Jeff (Casriaso) are going to work with the players," Uytengsu added.

Despite their exit, though, Uytengsu assured their supporters that the Aces will still put on a fight as they try to finish the ongoing 2021 PBA Governors' Cup—their last conference—on a high note.

They are currently in sixth spot with a 3-2 record and Uytengsu is confident they could go all the way to the finals.

"We still have one conference to win our 15th title so we are not throwing in the towel yet," he said. "I have no intention of just dismantling the team at the end of the conference. I think the players would want to win the championship for their one last dance. "

Alaska's next assignment is on Thursday against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 6 p.m.

—MGP, GMA News