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| With streaming platform Prime Video given the exclusive live broadcasting rights, One Sports can only broadcast the NBA Finals on a delayed basis on free TV. AP (file photo) |
MANILA—Many Filipino NBA fans were dismayed that the championship series between New York and San Antonio is not being aired live on free television.
Although One Sports still showed Game 1 of the finals on a primetime replay of sorts on Thursday night, many fans still prefer watching it live in the morning.
This stemmed from a decision by the NBA that the global broadcast of the finals, that is, for the non-US audience, is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
With Prime Video being a streaming-only broadcast platform, a live free TV coverage of the NBA Finals cannot be done due to the exclusivity clause.
"As part of our agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA), Cignal does not hold the rights to air live coverage of the 2026 NBA Finals, as these were granted exclusively to (Prime Video)," Cignal said in a statement on Friday.
Amid what the fans felt was a setback, the broadcasting arm assured, "Cignal remains firmly committed to providing the highest quality sports entertainment, and we continue to serve as the premier destination for the country's most passionate basketball community."
The NBA Finals broadcast will continue with its new setup for the rest of the way; that is, the live airing will be on Prime Video at 8:30 a.m. during game day, with the encore telecast at 7 p.m. on One Sports and NBA TV Philippines with a streaming option on Pilipinas Live.
The Knicks stole Game 1 on the Spurs' turf on Thursday, with an opportunity to make it 2-0 on Saturday before flying back home to New York City for Games 3 and 4 next week.
