THE Zamboanga Valientes is making a big leap to the Philippine Basketball Association.
The team is currently in advanced talks to acquire Terrafirma’s franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The deal has been mutually agreed upon and is now pending approval from the league.
Leading the acquisition are Zamboanga Valientes owner Junnie Navarro, Kings Asia Pacific President Cory Navarro, and Crewsharp CEO Trevor Crewe.
Once finalized, this move would mark a significant milestone not just for the Valientes, but for the entire Zamboanga basketball community.
“Owning a PBA team would be a major achievement for the city and the people of Zamboanga. Big things are coming. Arriba Zamboanga! Viva Valientes!” said Junnie Navarro.
“Zamboanga Valientes has consistently proven its competitiveness, both locally and internationally. Acquiring a PBA franchise is the next logical step in our mission to showcase Zamboangueño talent on the national stage,” added Cory Navarro.
Known for bold moves, the Valientes have made headlines in recent years. In 2023, they became the first Philippine basketball club to sign a former NBA champion—Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat. Two years later, the team stunned the basketball world again by bringing four-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist DeMarcus Cousins to the Philippines. Cousins played a pivotal role in helping the team win the Grand Finals of The Asian Tournament held in Zamboanga City.
Beyond marquee international names, the Valientes boast a deep roster of local talent, including young guns and seasoned veterans such as Forthsky Padrigao, Mike Tolomia, and Rudy Lingganay.
The organization also supports top athletes in other sports, including billiards world champion Chezka Centeno, Olympic boxer Eumir Marcial, and former WBO Intercontinental bantamweight champion Jonas Sultan.
If the franchise transfer proceeds smoothly, the Zamboanga Valientes is expected to make its PBA debut by October.
The team enjoys strong backing from many supporters, including Majority Leader Cong. Mannix Dalipe, Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, 2025 senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin, and corporate partners Grumpy Joe, PeekUp, Cocogen, Midas, FGT Trading, ZC Kings Manpower, and Nemesis Security Agency.
