By Joaquin Luis E. Quesada

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announced last October 23 their broadcast partnership with Cignal TV for the next five and a half years.

The said deal will start on the upcoming UAAP season 83 which will be hosted by the De La Salle University (DLSU). 

Under the new partnership, the premiere collegiate league’s selected events will be “aired live on One Sports channel and its other digital assets" to extend their coverage along different platforms.

The UAAP also said in their statement, together with Cignal TV’s affiliated network, TV5, their experience in handling sports events will provide them a "strong foundation" to promote the league.

For the last 20 years, UAAP’s home has always been the ABS-CBN until they terminated their partnership last May, following the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over the network. The media giant’s application for a fresh 25-year franchise was then denied by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises last July.

“Despite the current challenges, the league is looking forward to the partnership as a new chapter that can take the UAAP to even greater heights,” the statement ended.

As of writing, there is still no announcement on when the 83rd season will officially commence.

(File photo from Ahlexzhis Mark Belga/FEU Advocate)