With its TV partner now gone, the NCAA is looking for a new partner to cover the games starting Season 96 as the league also eyes to seal a five-year contract on its next partner, an official said Tuesday.
NCAA management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo confirmed through a text message that they want a five-year contract from the three major television networks that have signified intentions to broadcast the games.
Last week, the Manila Bulletin reported – citing various sources – that these networks are TV5-CignalTV, GMA-7 and CNN Philippines.
Of the three, TV5-CignalTV appears to have the inside track because of its experience in covering sports since it currently carries the games of the PBA and esports pro league The Nationals.
Also, the said network already had a history of working with the NCAA as it televised the games from 2010 to 2012. Officials of the network already had a presentation in an online meeting with the NCAA two weeks ago.
However, a source said it is “too early to tell” on which network would get the broadcasting rights of the premier league, which hopes to start its Season 96 either February or March with only four sports on the calendar – basketball, volleyball, swimming and athletics – due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Another source said that GMA-7 and CNN Philippines are expected to present their respective proposals to the NCAA MANCOM.
ABS-CBN officials have already informed their NCAA counterparts regarding the termination of the 10-year contract, which began in 2015, as the giant network was denied to renew its franchise by congress.
Sources said a meeting has already been set as the NCAA wants clarifications on the terms and conditions since “there are certain provisions” to follow in terminating a contract.