ABS-CBN executives have kept their lines of communication open with board members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Discussions are bound to continue on ABS-CBN’s possible airing of the leagues’ games even after the closure of the network’s sports department—Sports + Action.
Although collegiate action is expected to resume by February 2021, board members from both leagues will soon tackle the fate of their television broadcast rights with their perennial broadcast partner ABS-CBN.
“We are still talking to the two leagues about their plans,” said Vince Rodriguez, ABS CBN Channel and Production Head.
“But as they had already announced, they have no plans of mounting any of their major sporting events until next year,” added Rodriguez.
Last week, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the application for a franchise of ABS-CBN Corp., prompting the network to cease its S+A operations on Aug. 31.
For now, the UAAP is still busy organizing a closing ceremony for Season 82 and the turnover rites for incoming host De La Salle University.
“That still has to be discussed. We will update once all the details are settled,” said incoming league president Emmanuel Calanog of de La Salle University.
Collegiate sports events were left without a broadcast partner with the shutting down of ABS-CBN’s S+A.
But even without a franchise, the league is still in talks with executives over the network’s involvement in Season 83.
Another network, or broadcaster may be involved, but the league will still pursue its plans when De La Salle University takes over as host.
On the other hand, officials of the NCAA still have no clear picture on how to go about the league’s TV broadcast at the time.
NCAA officials, led by management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of incoming host Colegio de San Juan de Letran, said they are still gathering information on their situation.
A board meeting will be scheduled to tackle the matter.
