FILE – Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, left, and Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (2) chase the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 111-106. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
MANILA, Philippines — The National Basketball Association gave Filipino basketball fans another reason to feel good about with its return on Philippine television.
The NBA on Monday announced a multiyear partnership with Cignal TV, Inc. just in time for the keenly-awaited season restart on Friday.
“The NBA restart is set against a uniquely challenging moment in time for our fans in the Philippines, who are among the most passionate and dedicated NBA supporters in the world,” said NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy.
“We are excited to partner with Cignal and Smart to bring NBA games to a nationwide audience, and we hope to play a role in lifting the spirits of Filipinos by bringing our fans together through their shared love of the game.”
Beginning Friday, national free-to-air channels TV5 and ONE Sports will broadcast live NBA games for the first time, including four games every week.
TV5 and ONE Sports will air select “seeding games” and playoff games through the first and second rounds, while the entire Conference Finals will be televised between the two channels. The 2020 NBA Finals will be broadcasted exclusively on TV5.
Just last Thursday, the league announced the return of NBA Store in the country with its online relaunch. NBAStore.com.ph will go live starting Aug. 6.
As part of the partership. Cignal will also launch NBA TV Philippines, a localized version of NBA TV—the league’s dedicated 24/7—which will feature live games and original programming in high definition.
The NBA also struck a multiyear partnership expansion with digital services provider Smart Communications Inc. to provide NBA games and programming to fans in the Philippines through free-to-air, satellite television and over-the-top streaming.
Smart will also relaunch NBA.com/Philippines, the league’s official digital destination in the country, later this year.
Friday’s season resumption in Orlando, Florida will tip off with a pair of Western Conference games, highlighted by the showdown between title favorites Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers at 9 a.m.