Three major media networks are reportedly competing to secure the broadcast rights for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), one of the premier collegiate basketball leagues in the Philippines.
According to a report by sports news website Spin.ph, the Abante-Bilyonaryo group—the media firm behind the digital free-to-air television station “Bilyonaryo News Channel” (BNC)—is among those gunning for the coverage rights. The report states that BNC formalized its interest with the NCAA Management Committee on June 9, promising extensive coverage across both free TV and its various social media platforms.
Media tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan’s Cignal TV has also entered the fray, expressing interest to NCAA leadership on June 20. Cignal operates “One Sports,” a sister channel of TV5. The network currently holds the broadcast rights for several of the biggest basketball leagues locally and globally, including the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Lopez-owned ABS-CBN Corporation has reportedly shown interest in reclaiming the tournament’s broadcast rights as well, though the media giant has yet to submit an official letter to the NCAA management.
The NCAA has yet to release an official decision regarding the bids. The league’s five-year broadcast partnership with GMA Network concluded earlier this year.