NCAA faces broadcast deal termination

MANILA, Philippines — The 10-year partnership between the NCAA and ABS-CBN will be cut short after the latter asked that their contract be terminated this year due to the television network’s failure to renew its franchise to operate.

The network went off the air last May 5, leaving its partners in sports like the NCAA, UAAP, Philippine Volleyball League and MPBL practically homeless.

Sources told The STAR that ABS-CBN has written the 96-year-old league (NCAA) last week asking that their contract be discontinued with five years left from the 10-year deal.

“ABS-CBN wrote the league last week about its intent to terminate the contract because of unforeseen circumstances,” said an insider.

The NCAA management committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting today to discuss the matter. But the final decision is with the league’s Policy Board, composed of school presidents and owners, who will convene next week.

“It’s like a marriage. Two sides must agree, not just one. But for sure, the NCAA will understand ABS-CBN’s situation and come up with a decision that will be beneficial to both parties,” said the same source.

Without a broadcast partner, the NCAA has received fillers from potential TV partners like GMA 7 and CNN Philippines. TV5 should also be in the mix, being the NCAA’s former home and having invested heavily into sports, including the NBA.

The NCAA will begin the search only after its Policy Board makes the contract termination official.