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| The NCAA broadcast deal starting Season 102 has attracted interest from at least four networks, including two returning bidders. PSA (file photo) |
MANILA—A third iteration of the NCAA on ABS-CBN Sports could be possible as the broadcasting giant is among those that expressed interest in acquiring the broadcast rights for the country's longest-running amateur sports league following the end of its partnership with GMA.
ABS-CBN broadcast the NCAA twice from 2002-2011 and from 2015-2020, both on sister station ABS-CBN Sports and Action, until Congress denied the request of the Kapamilya network for an extension of its broadcast franchise.
Currently airing most of its shows nationally through blocktimer deals with GMA and on content partnership agreements with Channel 2's current owner, AllTV, and A2Z, ABS-CBN has made a successful shift to digital platforms, with the Kapamilya shows being aired on YouTube and IWant as well.
The prospect of making the games more accessible through live streams prompted ABS-CBN to chime in on the battle for the new NCAA broadcasting rights.
Coincidentally, the NCAA's first year on ABS-CBN happened during Season 78, which San Beda hosted, and the new broadcast deal will take effect starting Season 102, which the university will host too.
Another network looking to bring the NCAA back to its fold is PTV, which was the league's broadcaster during the turn of the millennium through blocktimer deals with MCI Group and Silverstar Sports, right before ABS-CBN stepped in.
Two surprise entries, though, are Bilyonaryo News Channel and Net 25.
As confirmed by an insider, officials from both the NCAA and BNC met this week to discuss the matter.
If the network gets the nod, it would be BNC's first major sports broadcast since the network was founded in 2024.
Previously known mainly as a news and informative channel, Net 25 has gradually added some local entertainment shows to its fold, and adding the NCAA could be a major boost.
An insider said that a frontrunner has already emerged among the four aforementioned networks.
Meanwhile, another source said that the Mediaquest group has been contacted for its interest in bringing the NCAA back to its fold.
The broadcast conglomerate previously aired the NCAA games from 2012-2014 on TV5, Aksyon TV, now known as One Sports, and IBC 13 through a blocktimer deal.
As it turned out, though, as reported by Tiebreaker Times' Lorenzo Del Carmen, a formal bid, which would have brought the league to Cignal, was not put in place.
