GMA Network, through GMA Synergy, has partnered with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Basketball Association for the exclusive television airing of Strong Group's participation in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The deal allows GMA Network to exclusively broadcast all of the games of the Philippine side on the network’s free-to-air channels GMA and GTV; online via GMA Sports YouTube Channel; and GMA’s international channels for the international broadcast.
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After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the tournament will be held from January 27 to February 5 at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai, UAE. Mighty Sports took home the trophy back in 2020, becoming the first non-Arab team to win the tournament.
This time, the Philippines will be represented by a Strong Group side made up of Gilas players Justine Baltazar, Lebron Lopez, and Karl Kevin Quiambao; NCAA stars Will Gozum and Migs Oczon of College of St. Benilde; UAAP players Jerom Lastimosa, Joel Cagulangan, Bryan Andrade, and Inand Fornillos; and former NBA players Nick Young, Renaldo Balkman, and Shabazz Muhammad as imports.
The games will be aired on GTV on January 28, February 4, 11, and 18 at 6:15 p.m. as well as on GMA's free channel on January 29, February 5, 12, and 19 at 10 a.m.
The games will be accessible online via GMA Sports YouTube Channel while overseas-based Filipino basketball fans can catch the action via GMA’s international channels in selected territories.
Present during the virtual signing on Thursday were GMA Network senior vice-president and and GMA Films president Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and first vice-president and head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy and acting head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
Representing the UAE Basketball Association was Mr. Naji Al Jabri while Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu witnessed the signing ceremony.
Amoroso said the Dubai coverage is in line with GMA Synergy's goal of delivering more quality sports content. The giant network already holds the broadcast rights of the NCAA, the country's oldest collegiate league.
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