Interest is building over the NCAA’s next broadcast partner, with four networks already expressing their intent to bid for the rights to cover the league.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, ABS-CBN and Bilyonaryo News Channel have already begun negotiations with the Grand Old League for a possible partnership. The other two interested networks are PTV4 and Net25.
As early as February, the NCAA had already started sending invitations to potential partners after GMA informed the league last December that it would not extend its five-and-a-half-year partnership, a source knowledgeable about the situation told Tiebreaker Times.
Surprisingly, MVP Group platforms Cignal TV and Smart Communications—the latter the company behind streaming platform PusoP.com—have yet to signify their intent to bid for the rights to carry the league.
Last Friday, following the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Finals, GMA formally bid farewell to the league, closing its broadcast with a tribute video.
During Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, NCAA Season 101 Management Committee chairman Melchor Divina of Mapúa University said that securing a sustainable digital streaming partner is now the league’s top priority over free TV.
“Siyempre, yung mga tulad ng GMA, umaasa din sila doon sa mga sponsors gaya ngayon. Kung marami ang nanonood sa YouTube at sa Facebook, doon sa free TV, wala na masyado,” said Divina.
“We think wala na, kaya siguro naghahanap kami ng ibang way kung paano nila masusuportahan yung NCAA na hindi gagamit ng Free TV.”
The partnership between GMA and the NCAA will formally end on May 31, which is when the league can officially sign with a new broadcast partner.
NCAA Season 101 still has golf, aerobic gymnastics, boxing, kiddie basketball, weightlifting, and esports events on its calendar before closing on June 15.
San Beda University will serve as the host for the next season.
