THE PBA has started negotiations with GMA Network for the coverage of the D-League games beginning in the Aspirants' Cup, according to a source who asked not to be named.
The development came after Sports 5, the PBA’s television partner, decided to end its coverage of the D-League games after five conferences due to lack of airtime, the source said.
Sports 5, which is TV5's sports arm, recently ended its block time agreement with IBC 13, which led to the matches in the ongoing PBA Governors' Cup being moved to TV5.
On the other hand, Sports 5's coverage of the NCAA games has been moved to Aksyon TV, TV5's sister channel in the UHF band, amid complaints over its accessibility.
The Aspirants' Cup has already started play on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena with two opening games but without a television broadcast.
Curiously, a GMA news crew was on hand to cover the opening ceremony at the Pasig City venue.
GMA has begun airing several sports events, both in its regular channel and its news network on Channel 11. It recently inked a deal to show the games of the Shakey’s V-League.
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