UAAP to leave ABS-CBN? New broadcast deal yet to be reached- report

Will the UAAP be seen on another network after two decades?

According to an exclusive report, the UAAP and its broadcast partner, ABS-CBN, have yet to reach a new deal as their contract is set to expire on May 31.

“Yes, the contract is up, but the UAAP and ABS-CBN have already met five to six times to discuss the extension,” a reliable source told the Inquirer.

“UAAP and ABS-CBN have promised to negotiate in good faith so entertaining a third party before the expiration of the contract is out of the question.”

The source admitted the uncertainty on the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise had played a part on why the talks have stalled.

UAAP has been broadcasted on ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 channel since 2000. Studio 23 rebranded to S+A last decade. Games were also eventually shown on cable channels like Balls and later on, Liga via SkyCable.

The report comes amidst the National Telecommunications Commission’s decision “cease and desist” order against the TV giant.

On Wednesday, May 6, ABS-CBN went off air for the first time in ages.

The report furthers that such uncertainty by the network could be a factor as to why no new contract has been agreed upon yet.

The NCAA is likewise being broadcasted by ABS-CBN. With the network’s status hanging in the balance, only time will tell whether the two collegiate leagues stay on the same channel.