A NEW home for the long run.
The UAAP announced last Friday that it has inked a five-and-a-half year contract with Cignal TV to broadcast select events of the league via the One Sports channel.
“The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is proud to announce its broadcast partnership with CIGNAL TV for the next five and a half years, starting with UAAP Season 83 (2020-2021),” the UAAP said in a statement.
“As part of this collaboration, select events of the UAAP will be aired live on One Sports channel and its other digital assets, ensuring an engaging and expansive coverage across different multimedia platforms.”
The UAAP’s five-year pact with former broadcast partner ABS-CBN expired last May 31.
ABS-CBN served as the home of the league since 2000 when the network was still airing matches on Studio 23 and later when the channel was renamed to Sports and Action.
The mass media giant’s franchise renewal application to operate for another 25 years was rejected by the House committee on legislative franchises via an overwhelming 70-11-2-1 vote last July 10.
ABS-CBN Sports, the sports division of the network, also closed last July 16.
The league said the capabilities of TV5, Cignal TV’s affiliate network, in sports broadcasting sealed the deal.
Previously named Sports5/ESPN5, TV5’s sports arm, One Sports, is showing the PBA games since 2011 and the NBA matches since late-July.
“With its affiliate network, TV5, their combined experience in sports production provides the UAAP with a strong foundation in its efforts to promote collegiate sports in the country,” the league said.
“Despite the current challenges, the league is looking forward to the partnership as a new chapter that can take the UAAP to even greater heights.”
With the lingering health perils and uncertainties brought about by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the UAAP intends to launch its new season, set to be hosted by La Salle, early next year.
