By REYNALD MAGALLON
Akari has no intentions to enter the PBA, at least in the near future, in contrast to the reports that are making rounds on social media.
According to a report which immediately went viral and shared through various basketball circles and pages, Akari is eyeing a move to the PBA possibly through buying one of the two franchise teams allegedly on the block.
However, a source, very close to Akari’s top brass, refuted such reports and denied any plans for the electronic manufacturing company to formally make the leap to professional basketball.
“It’s not true. We have no plans,” said the source.
Acquiring a franchise and operating a PBA team could also be a huge addition to the company’s spending considering it has been active and already a staunch supporter of Philippine sports, backing campaigns for some of the national teams and athletes.
A franchise in the PBA roughly costs around P100 million just to acquire one and an estimate of another P100 million for the annual operational expenses.
Akari already has two professional volleyball teams in the PVL with the Akari Chargers and the Nxled Chameleons and is also backstopping the Adamson Lady and Baby Falcons in the UAAP as well as the Philippine U18 volleyball team.
On top of that, Akari recently entered a partnership with the UAAP to build the collegiate league’s home arena in Pasig City.
The arena is set to be a 6,000-seater world class stadium targeted to be finished by 2027.
