GMA Network pursues NCAA broadcast deal

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

GMA Network is currently laying down all the options for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as part of their negotiations of being the official broadcast partner of the collegiate league.

With Cignal TV and TV5/One Sports already acquiring the broadcast rights of the UAAP, the Kapuso network is targeting the country’s oldest collegiate league to also revamp their identity as one of the most trusted partners in sports broadcasting.

Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon himself presented the bid of GMA Network to the NCAA board and management committee and is hoping for a positive result after their discussion.

However, there will be tough competition in the form of TV5 as Smart president and CEO Al Panlilio was also there to discuss what his network could offer the league.

Together with Panlilio were TV5 and Cignal president Robert Galang, Head of Consumer Business Individual Jane Basas, and Consumer Business for Home head Butch Jimenez.

The decision will then be evaluated by the NCAA mancom led by chairman Fr. Vic Calvo (Letran) and the league’s policy board led by Fr. Clarence Marquez (Letran).