The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is on the verge of another major transition as Pureblends Inc., a food manufacturing company, has officially taken over the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise in a deal worth ₱90 million. The sale, which was completed over the weekend, signals the end of NorthPort’s 13-year participation in the league and paves the way for a new brand to enter the spotlight.

Pureblends settled the acquisition in two phases and now awaits the PBA Board of Governors’ decision to formalize the ownership transfer. League rules require a two-thirds vote for approval, and while nothing is final until the meeting this week, insiders believe the board is inclined to welcome the group. Even San Miguel Corporation—another food industry player that owns multiple PBA teams—has reportedly raised no objections to the deal.

NorthPort’s departure closes a chapter that began in 2012, when businessman Mikee Romero purchased the Powerade Tigers and rebranded them as the Batang Pier. Over more than a decade, the team managed a handful of semifinal appearances but never reached the championship stage. Despite its struggles, the Batang Pier remained a competitive fixture in the league before finally changing hands this year.

For the players, continuity is expected. Several athletes under active contracts, including Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores, Evan Nelle, Fran Yu, and James Kwekuteye, are still required to report for team practices. Meanwhile, unsigned free agents are no longer tied to the roster, and the new management has already held tryouts to scout potential additions.

The bigger question lies in coaching. While current head coach Bonnie Tan remains in the picture, Pureblends is rumored to be considering new leadership as part of its fresh start in professional basketball.

If approved, the new team will make its debut in Season 50 of the PBA, bringing an end to the Batang Pier era and ushering in a fresh identity under the Pureblends banner. For fans, the move represents more than just a change of ownership—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, with hopes of reshaping the team’s future and possibly making a stronger push for championships.

At ₱90 million, the acquisition reflects more than financial muscle. It is a clear statement that Pureblends is ready to establish its presence not only in the food industry but also on one of the biggest stages in Philippine sports.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American guard Jason Brickman is finally taking his shot at the PBA Draft — and at 33 years old, he’s proving that chasing a basketball dream has no expiration date.

Brickman, long considered one of the best Fil-Am playmakers still outside the PBA, confirmed his intent to join this year’s draft after years of setbacks. He first attempted to enter in 2021 but was unable to secure the required documents in time. Instead of waiting around, he continued his career overseas, playing stints in Europe and Asia before becoming a standout in Taiwan, where he won an MVP award and helped the Kaohsiung Aquas capture a championship.

His résumé speaks volumes. At Long Island University, Brickman was among a select few in NCAA Division I history to tally more than 1,000 assists — a testament to his court vision and leadership at the point guard spot. Those same qualities carried him through a decade of professional basketball abroad, where he consistently built a reputation as a selfless floor general.

The timing of his decision to enter the draft couldn’t be better. In 2023, the PBA removed its age restriction for Fil-foreign applicants, giving veterans like Brickman a long-awaited opening. It’s the same rule change that allowed Stephen Holt to enter the draft at 31, eventually becoming a top pick and Rookie of the Year with Terrafirma. Brickman now hopes to follow in those footsteps, though he brings his own style and experience to the table.

While younger prospects such as Juan Gomez de Liano and Dalph Panopio will draw attention from scouts, Brickman offers something rare: maturity, international exposure, and the ability to step in and contribute immediately. Teams in need of a steady hand at point guard may view him as a ready-made leader rather than a long-term project.

For Brickman, this is more than just a career move — it’s the fulfillment of a dream delayed but not abandoned. “I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA,” he said recently, emphasizing that this year’s draft is the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

As the 2025 draft approaches, the basketball community will be watching closely. Brickman may be a rookie on paper, but his game, polished by years abroad, promises to bring something different to the league. And if Holt’s success is any indication, age may no longer be a barrier to making an immediate impact in the PBA.