PBA rejects transfer of broadcast coverage

The PBA board of governors turned down the proposal of TV partner ABC-5 to transfer the airing of PBA games for the rest of the Commissioner’s Cup from IBC13 to Channel 5, fearing possible backlash on the abrupt change in channel and schedule of games.

But the league board, chaired by Barangay Ginebra’s Robert Non, gave ABC the option to cover the semifinals and finals of the mid-season tourney on a simultaneous or slightly delayed basis on Channel 5. ABC was also allowed to replay games on its network.

ABC’s contract as block-timer on IBC 13 is to expire next month, and the ABC bosses have said they’re no longer renewing their pact with the government-sequestered network. Thus, the proposal to move the airing of the PBA games over Channel 5 supposedly starting in tonight’s game.

The proposal was made through a letter signed by Chot Reyes in his capacity as TV5 Sports head.

It was also proposed to move the schedule of weekday games from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the weekend settos from 6:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Taking into consideration the possible negative impact on our television and live audience with respect to the abrupt change in channel and schedule of games, the board decided that the airing of PBA games in IBC13 under the schedule provided by the PBA and as provided in the television contract shall continue to be enforced and in effect,” said the PBA in a statement.

In the same meeting yesterday at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City, the board repealed rules on import rights and unrestricted free agency.

A team can now seed its rights over an import without going through the waiver procedure with the exception of sister teams which would have to go through the normal waiver procedure.

Meanwhile, a local player who has played in the league for seven years automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of his contract. In which case, any team can offer to engage his services without the mother team having any right of first refusal provided however the mother team is given the right to offer the unrestricted free agent a salary 20 percent over the existing salary cap at the time of the player’s free agency.