AFTER a period of controversy and internal strife, the Cebu Classic basketball team is now under new ownership and management.
Cebuano businessman Samson Lato has officially taken over the team, pledging to restore pride and honor to Cebu basketball.
With this new development, the new management is working to resolve the lingering issues left by former team owner Voltaire Ora.
Lato has experience in sports franchise ownership, particularly in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), where he previously helmed the Valenzuela team -- now known as the Valenzuela City Magic -- which is strongly supported by the local government unit.
SunStar Cebu has obtained a copy of a memo from the Office of the Commissioner, signed by MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, officially notifying all teams of the Cebu Classic ownership change effective Monday, June 16, 2025.
The memo also confirmed that Ora is no longer affiliated with the team and holds no authority to represent the Cebu Classic in any official capacity.
Last month, the franchise faced a mass exodus of players and coaching staff due to unpaid salaries.
In a game against the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters last week, Cebu Classic fielded only six players and suffered a lopsided 131-65 loss.
Since the transition, the new management has worked to stabilize the roster -- some players have returned, while others have been released.
According to veteran Manila-based sportswriter Snow Badua in a social media post, the Cebu Classic will be rebranded as the Cebu Greats.
The management is also seeking the services of former PBA star Junthy Valenzuela as its potential new head coach. While talks are ongoing, no agreement has been
finalized yet.
Valenzuela, a former member of Red Bull and Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, previously coached the University of San Carlos men’s team, which he guided to the Cesafi finals in 2014.