PBA D-League Has a New (or Old) Partner

July 4, 2014

'The PBA D-League will return to IBC News Network 45, this time under the deal forged by blocktimer Asian Television Content Corporation. (Photo credit: Interaksyon.com)'

The PBA Developmental League will have a new partner to cover their games this upcoming season.

It was announced that the PBA D-League and Asian Television Content Corporation will join forces to air the said league’s games on IBC News Network (INN 45), beginning next season. The league’s games will be aired on a delayed basis from Tuesday and Thursday 7:30-9:30 p.m. and Satruday at 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Last season, the PBA D-League was practically shut out of television coverage. Although Sports5, by way of AksyonTV, aired the finals of the two conferences, they were unable to air the elimination and playoff matches due to their prior commitments with other sports events.

A possible broadcast deal with GMA News TV also fell through, mainly because the parent network lacked the necessary resources to cover the games.

The new broadcast agreement will mark the PBA D-League’s return to its original coveror. IBC-13 previously covered the D-League from 2011-13, as part of the future Viva Sports blocktime deal.

ATC @ IBC started last June, and featured a mix of new and old programs. Among their new programs are telenovelas The Two Sides of Ana and La Teniente, and the imported Asian dramas like Spy Myung-Wol and Hayate the Combat Butler. On INN 45, documentary programs Animalia, Confidential and Stoplight TV. Classic programs such as Retro TV, Cooltura and ONE FC are also included.

The addition of the PBA D-League further establishes ATC as an emerging force in the media industry, one that is expected to bolster its current lineup in the future. But it remains to be seen if their new investment will result in some revenue for both ATC and IBC-13. Nevertheless, this should be a welcome development for the PBA D-League, who needed some exposure for their teams and its upcoming players.