PBA board okays Kia, NLEX, Ever Bilena as expansion teams

MANILA, Philippines – The PBA board of governors approved the application of KIA, NLEX and Ever Bilena on Thursday in a landmark decision that will bring the league to 13 teams starting next season.

The pro league's official account @pbaconnect broke the big news late Thursday afternoon.

Welcome to the PBA KIA, NLEX and Ever Bilena!

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) April 10, 2014

NLEX and Ever Bilena have proven their capacity to form a winning team in the PBA D League while KIA has been a major sponsor in the big sporting events such as NBA and football.

NLEX, meanwhile, will be the third team owned by Manny V. Pangilinan after Talk n Text and Meralco. The Pangilinan group thus ties corporate rival San Miguel Corporation, which has San Miguel Beer, San Mig Super Coffee and Brgy. Ginebra.