PBA D-League Returns to Sports5

Beginning this season, games of the PBA D-League will air on AksyonTV on a one-day delayed basis. (Logo courtesy of the Philippine Basketball Association)

The PBA D-League will be the property anew of Sports5.

Starting with this season’s Aspirants’ Cup, games of the PBA D-League will air on a delayed basis on AksyonTV. This will mark the return of the PBA’s farm league to Sports5 after a two-year absence.

Last season, PBA D-League games were aired on IBC-13, in collaboration with the Asian Television Content Corporation (ATC). Unfortunately, rising debts forced the ATC @ IBC team to end its coverage after the season.

This year, the league found a willing partner in Sports5. It was perfect timing, since with the parent league’s games no longer simulcast on AksyonTV, it made things easier for the D-League to air their games on the said channel.

Nine teams, some with collegiate varsity tie-ups, will participate in the Aspirants’ Cup. Playing in the PBA D-League is a way for first-timers to join the PBA Rookie Draft, and a way for veterans to earn a PBA contract.

The PBA D-League on AksyonTV will air on most nights of the week. For more information on the league, visit this website.

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

The PBA D-League will return to IBC-13, 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-13, beginning next season. The league’s games will be aired on a delayed basis from 8-11 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 Sports5 blocktime deal.

The ATC on 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 documentary programs ‘Animalia’ and ‘Confidential’. Classic programs such as ‘Retro TV’, ‘Cooltura’ and ‘Stoplight TV’ 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.