THE Alaska Aces announced they are leaving the Philippine Basketball Association after more than three decades.
“We take great pride in our participation and success all these years and know we won with integrity,” Alaska Milk Corporation chairman Fred Uytengsu said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said exiting from the PBA will help Alaska refocus resources on providing affordable nutrition for Filipino families, which is also the global directive of its parent company.
The illustrious team is set to finish the remainder of the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
The storied franchise has won 14 PBA championships and a grand slam title in 1996.
Alaska Aces had been the home of legendary players Johnny Abarrientos, Jeffrey Cariaso, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, LA Tenorio, Calvin Abueva, among many others.
“May the memory of Alaska Aces live on forever. Wala pa rin tatalo sa Alaska,” the team signed off.
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Alaska’s departure will certainly be felt among basketball fans and members of 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 said in an interview with INQUIRER.net .
“Alaska is still part of the PBA until this season’s end.”
The teams’ 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.
