UAAP Returns to PTV-4

July 24, 2015

'Aside from the sting with ABS-CBN Sprots under ABS-CBN Sports+Action, the UAAP returns to PTV-4 after 16 year hiatus and beginning with Season 78. (Photo credit: PTV)'

The UAAP has a two networks: ABS-CBN Sports+Action and PTV-4 (Telebisyon ng Bayan).

It was announced that the UAAP will return to the government-owned TV network PTV-4, beginning with Season 78 that is slated to open on September 5. This era has been a partnership between the league, ABS-CBN Sports and our coveror PTV-4 has been return after 16 year hiatus.

Under the terms of a new contract, PTV-4 will air the UAAP Season 78 basketball games with one game on Tuesday and Thursday and two games every Saturday and Sunday (simulcast over ABS-CBN Sports+Action), with a total of seven games a week. Most games will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while select marquee matchups will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In addition, PTV-4 will air the playoffs of women’s volleyball, as well as short highlights of the league’s other sports. Overall, the deal between the UAAP and PTV-4 is aimed at promoting, developing, building and stabilizing the UAAP in a sporting and marketing standpoint.

PTV-4, Silverstar Sports and the UAAP first joined forces in Season 58 (1995-16)

ABS-CBN Sports and the NCAA first joined forces in Season 78 (2002-03), with host Ateneo de Manila University responsible for the deal. The initial partnership resulted in wider and more extensive game coverage for the league, whereas in prior years it only received fringe coverage in other networks.

The first foray of UAAP with Silverstar Sports lasted for five seasons. Then in Season 63, the league joined forces with ABS-CBN Sports, hoping to bring in additional televised games and attract more viewers in the process.

Aside from ABS-CBN Sports+Action, now that the UAAP has returned to PTV-4, fans can only hope that the latter will deliver the station. The long-term contract between the three parties should help the UAAP grow not only as a league, but as a brand, something PTV-4 was able to do with the PBA D-League.

The UAAP on PTV-4 begins this September 5. Good luck.