In March 2011, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., a sponsor of the PBA games, had expressed interest in acquiring a PBA franchise and were in talks to acquire the franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters team (owned by the Energy Food and Drink, Inc.).[1] For the sale to proceed, a two-thirds approval from the PBA Board of Governors was needed (7 out of 10 votes).[2] However, it failed to get the necessary number of votes.[3] Reportedly, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) intended to rename its PBA team as the Petron Blaze Boosters for the 2011 PBA Governors Cup, hence its objection to the proposed entry of Phoenix Petroleum, a business competitor of Petron, in 2011.[4] SMC reverted to playing as the San Miguel Beermen in 2014.
In July 2011, the PBA franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters was acquired by the Lina Group of Companies, owner of the original Air21 Express team, reportedly for 50 million pesos.[5] The franchise went on to play as the Shopinas.com Clickers[6] and, later, as the second Air21 Express team. In June 2014, the Lina Group sold this franchise to Manila North Tollways Corporation and became the NLEX Road Warriors.[7][8]
The Start Of Fuel Masters
Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters' logo used during the 2016 Commissioner's CupPhoenix Pulse Fuel Masters' logo used from 2017 to 2018.Logo used in 2019.
In January 2016, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. sealed a deal to acquire the team known as the second Barako Bull team (also known as the original Air21 Express team) from the Lina Group, reportedly in the amount of 100 million pesos.[9] The PBA board of governors unanimously approved the sale on January 20, 2016. In addition, the board also gave its approval for Phoenix Petroleum to play in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup instead of waiting until the 2016–17 PBA season.[10] The coaching staff, players' contracts and contractual obligations will be carried over by the new owners.[11]
On February 10, 2016, the Phoenix Fuel Masters officially announced their entry into the PBA with a press conference, followed by the unveiling of their new uniforms, held at Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Cubao.[12] The Fuel Masters debuted in the PBA with a 118–106 win over the NLEX Road Warriors at the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup, with Nigerian Kenny Adeleke as import.[13] After four games, he was waived and Kevinn Pinkney took his place as the team reinforcement.
On May 31, 2016, Phoenix announced the appointment of Westports Malaysia Dragons head coach Ariel Vanguardia as the new head coach of the team. He will take over the position formerly occupied by Banal.[14]
2023–24 Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters season
