Pureblends Finalizes ₱90M Buyout of NorthPort’s PBA Franchise

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by Lou Reyes

Former NorthPort star Jio Jalalon could play for Pureblends?
Former NorthPort star Jio Jalalon could play for Pureblends? Photo: PBA Images.

Big changes are coming to the PBA. After weeks of whispers and speculation, it’s now official: Pureblends Inc. has struck a deal to acquire the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise for a reported ₱90 million.

The takeover was completed over the weekend, with Pureblends assuming full control of the team starting September 1. Sources say the payment was settled in two tranches, sealing one of the most significant franchise transactions in recent league history.

But before the new era tips off, there’s one last hurdle: the deal still needs PBA board approval, which requires a two-thirds vote. The matter is already part of Wednesday’s board meeting agenda. Interestingly, despite Pureblends being in the food business—a sector that also includes San Miguel Corp., one of the PBA’s major stakeholders—league insiders believe SMC will not stand in the way of the deal.

One key detail still under wraps: will the team actually carry the Pureblends name? Sources revealed that incorporators are still deciding on the final brand identity, leaving fans curious about what the new squad will be called.

Pureblends is owned by Bryann Calantoc, a former Grace Christian High cager who once played alongside Justin Chua in the Tiong Lian league. Calantoc also suited up in the Pinoy Liga alumni tournament and has been active in grassroots and semi-pro basketball, previously backing teams in the MPBL and the Pilipinas Super Liga.

Joshua Munzon (24) and his teammates could play for Pureblends in Season 50 of the PBA.
Joshua Munzon (24) and his teammates could play for Pureblends in Season 50 of the PBA. Photo: PBA Images.

As NorthPort winds down its chapter, the franchise held open tryouts last week at the Winterpine Basketball Court, giving free agents and rookies a chance to impress ahead of Season 50’s draft.

The team’s roster is still intact, with holdovers like Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores, Evan Nelle, Fran Yu, and James Kwekuetye already asked to report for practice. Veterans like Jio Jalalon, Jerrick Balanza, and Sidney Onwubere headline the group of players whose contracts are set to expire.

Former NorthPort big man Calvin Abueva (17).
Former NorthPort big man Calvin Abueva (17). Photo: X.

What remains unclear is the fate of Coach Bonnie Tan and his staff. While management hasn’t confirmed any changes, there are strong indications that Pureblends may opt to bring in its own coaching crew.

Once approved by the board, this move officially closes the book on NorthPort’s 13-year PBA journey, which began in 2012 when Mikee Romero’s Sultan 900 Inc. took over the old Powerade franchise. A new name, a new era—and possibly, a new powerhouse—could be just around the corner.