The National Collegiate Athletic Association and GMA 7 formalized their partnership on Friday, with the network giant going full blast to welcome the Grand Old League.
News program Unang Balita made the first announcement on their platforms.
This was followed by GMA stars like former NCAA MVP Johnvic De Guzman, Gabbi Garcia, Julie Anne San Jose, Alice Dixson, Jennylyn Mercado, and Dingdong Dantes welcoming the league to its new home.
“We are excited that GMA Network is the new home of the NCAA. At the same time, we are grateful to the NCAA board for putting their trust in GMA to serve as a platform in showcasing the talented Filipino student-athletes,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.
Just like UAAP’s deal with TV5, GMA signed NCAA for the next five-and-a-half years — including NCAA’s centennial year in 2024.
Besides Seniors Basketball, GMA’s new network for sports will also air Men’s and Women’s Volleyball; Swimming; and Athletics.
Games will also be streamed on GMANetwork.com, while the Senior’s Basketball Finals will be aired on the Kapuso Network’s main channel, GMA-7.
Viewers abroad can also catch the action via GMA Pinoy TV.
“The NCAA, the Philippines’ first and longest-running collegiate athletic league, is most happy and honored to enter into a partnership with GMA Network, Inc., the Philippines’ number one TV network.
“We look forward with hope and excitement as we work together to form our young student-athletes to become the next champions and national athletes who will bring honor and glory to our beloved country, moving towards the league’s centennial year,” said Fr. Rector Clarence Victor Marquez, OP, Policy Board President of NCAA Season 96 and President of Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
