Two networks vying for coverage rights for PBA's 37th season

Two networks have expressed interest in the coverage rights for the Philippine Basketball Association’s 37th season. Studio 23, a UHF channel of ABS-CBN, and TV 5, a station largely owned by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, are the two networks being eyed to cover Asia’s pioneering professional league. Either of them could take over the PBA’s coverage rights from Solar Entertainment, whose contract expires in August. This was disclosed by PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud to GMA News in a telephone interview. “The deadline for those making a bid for the coverage rights ended last Friday, and we met with the bidders on Monday to discuss the terms of reference," said Salud. Studio 23 is currently airing the PBA games, starting with the Commissioner’s Cup when Solar Entertainment sought for a block time arrangement after its own network reformatted its programs to cater more to the female market. The UHF Channel has been home to some of the collegiate sporting events such as the UAAP, NCAA, Philippine Collegiate Champions League, and lately, the NBA games. TV5, on the other hand, has recently began to engage in sports. The latest among the network’s ventures was the airing of the Philippine Open Pool Championships and the upcoming World Ten Ball Championship. Both events are sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Association and feature the participation of the world’s best players. The Philippine Open Pool Championships were aired on IBC-13 via a block time agreement from afternoon until night time. Meanwhile, Salud informed GMA News that Solar Entertainment will be spared of a penalty for the technical glitches that occured during the coverage of the last quarterfinals game between Ginebra and Rain or Shine. “There were technical glitches that happened and which affected several areas. Solar Entertainment found out that some of the equipment being used by Studio 23 were being repaired. It took almost three hours before the equipment was fixed," said Salud. “But Solar Entertainment will be spared from a penalty," he added. The PBA Office had received a lot of complaints from fans who were anticipating an action-packed game between the Gin Kings and the Elasto Painters, both of whom were battling for a semifinals seat. - KY, Rey Joble, GMA News