PBA commissioner Willie Marcial quashed rumors that a team is leaving the league, particularly Rain or Shine.

Speculations surfaced on social media that the Elasto Painters are on their way out of the PBA due to financial issues.

“I’ve heard about it,” Marcial said in Filipino during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, December 22.

“I’ve heard about James Yap going to this team, Beau Belga going to this team, and (Gabe) Norwood going to this team,” he added.

“I talked to (Rain or Shine owner) Raymond Yu, who called me personally. He told me that they’re not leaving the PBA, that it was just fake news.”

Rain or Shine has been a perennial playoff contender in recent seasons, reaching the semifinals thrice over the last 6 conferences.

But a finals appearance has remained elusive for the franchise since the Elasto Painters won the second of their two PBA championships in 2016.

In the previous Philippine Cup, Rain or Shine crashed out of the quarterfinals after falling prey to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra. – Rappler.com