NCAA back with ABS-CBN after 10-year deal

ABS-CBN and NCAA executives during the contract signing at the ELJ building in Quezon City. CELEST FLORES-COLINA

The oldest collegiate league in the country has rekindled an old flame.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is back with a familiar partner after inking a decade-long partnership with TV network ABS-CBN.

The partnership was announced on Monday at the NCAA turnover ceremony at the ELJ building in Quezon City.

After a three-year deal with TV5, the NCAA has decided to reunite with a TV partner that will provide the league more stability among its viewers.

“I guess the main feature of it is it will run for 10 years. That enables us to plan the long term. It might lend some more stability to the media aspect of the league,” said NCAA president and Mapua CEO Dr. Reynaldo Vea.

Games will be aired every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from its previous schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Dino Laurena, head of ABS-CBN’s integrated sports, said that the network will cover in full the men’s basketball event while the women’s volleyball from final four to the finals.

Highlights of other sports will also be shown through out the season.

The NCAA games will also be back at the same afternoon time slot usually reserved for collegiate sports.

“We want to commit [readers] to a time and a venue where they will watch these games. So people know exactly what time, what channel [the games will be showed] and the replays are well-programmed,” Laurena said.

The league will usher in its 91st season on June 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena with a elaborate opening ceremonies and a explosive basketball double header.

Most games will be played at the San Juan Arena with marquee matches set at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Providing some “flavor” from host Mapua, the theme for the incoming season will be “NCAA: Engineered for Sports Excellence in the New Decade.”