UAAP eyeing new broadcast partner?

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) may consider “other parties” if necessary with regards to finding a broadcast partner after ABS-CBN’s bid for a new franchise was junked by the House of Representatives.

Stranded in the middle of talks with the embattled network for a new deal, the country’s premier collegiate league said it’s open for other opportunities with what’s “best for the UAAP community.”

“Proceed as planned. (We will) conclude negotiations, then evaluate. Consider other parties, if necessary,” UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said.

“(We will have to) choose what is for the best interest of the UAAP community,” he said.

Last Friday, through a landslide 70-11 vote, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the giant media company’s application for a new 25-year franchise, leaving several sports leagues like UAAP, NCAA, PVL and MPBL hanging in the air with no TV broadcast home.

While some leagues have existing contracts with ABS-CBN, the UAAP has none and is still in negotiations for a new one after their five-year deal expired last May 31.

The UAAP is the longest-tenured sports program in ABS-CBN, tracing their partnership way back to 2000 when the games were shown on Channel 23 before the rebranding to the S&A (Sports and Action) channel recently.

As of now though, nothing is cast in stone as the UAAP is exploring other options.

“We commiserate with our long-time partner but this is ultimately a business decision that the board will have to make using their best judgment,” Saguisag added.

Reeling from the cancellation of Season 82 due to the pandemic, the UAAP is facing another dilemma in terms of the opener of Season 83, which could be pushed back to early next year from the traditional September start.