ABS-CBN will not bid for PBA broadcast rights

ABS-CBN has announced that it will no longer bid for the broadcasting rights to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games.

"We felt that the Terms of Reference (TOR) were too stringent and onerous," said Peter Musngi, ABS-CBN Vice-President for Sports.

The network's withdrawal leaves ABC Sports 5 as the remaining bidder for the rights to broadcast PBA games.

The PBA games will air on Studio 23 until the end of this season's last conference, the Governor's Cup. After that, rights to the PBA's TV coverage are up for grabs.

The league is asking for P900 million for 5 years worth of broadcast rights.

Musngi felt that certain provisions in the PBA's TOR were too severe. He cited the competitive lockout provision, which will prevent the network from airing commercials of products that are competitive with brands carried by PBA teams during game coverage.

Aside from the competitive lockout provision, Musngi said that there were other stipulations that are too restrictive to the network, causing the withdrawal of the bid.

Lone bidder

In an interview with Boyet Sison on ANC's Hardball, PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud said the league will review the financial and marketing proposals submitted by ABC Sports 5.

Although they remain the only bidder, the Board of Governors will not automatically grant broadcasting rights to the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network.

"We'll see whether (their proposals) meet the approval of the Board of Governors of the PBA," said Salud.

Pangilinan owns two teams in the PBA - the Meralco Bolts and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

"At the moment, I cannot preempt the board, whether they will accept the terms offered by ABC Sports 5," Salud said.

According to a report from the Philippine Star, Salud will meet with the top executives from ABC Sports 5 on Friday. The ABC 5 executives will formally present their proposals in the meeting.

"After the presentation, the Office of the Commissioner will make its recommendation to the Board of Governors as to the acceptability of ABC Sports 5's coverage offer," Salud said.

Last resort

Salud has also said that the league is still open to the idea of producing basketball games on their own, and buying air time on a suitable network.

"We shall pursue that option as a last resort," said Salud, admitting that it will be a challenge, both financially and logistically.

"But it is an option, should the ABC TV 5 offer not be acceptable." -- With a report from Boyet Sison, ANC

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