PBA GAMES TELECAST STAYS ON IBC-13
Airing of PBA games on IBC-13 continues. A possible treat to PBA fans is replay of games over ABC-5.
This developed as the PBA board of governors nixed the proposal of official coveror ABC5 to move the telecast of PBA games for the rest of the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs from IBC-13 to channel 5, anticipating possible negative impact on the abrupt change in channel and schedule of games.
ABC5, however, was given the option to cover the semifinals and finals of the mid-season tourney on a simultaneous or slightly delayed basis on channel 5.
The Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network was also allowed to replay games on its home channel.
ABC’s contract as block-timer on IBC-13 expires in May and, apparently, ABC doesn’t intend to extend a deal with the sequestered network, thus, mulling the option of airing PBA games over channel 5.
The proposal to the PBA board was made through a letter signed by Chot Reyes in his capacity as TV5 Sports chief.
It was also proposed to move the schedule of weekday games from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the weekend settos from 6:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Taking into consideration the possible negative impact on our television and live audience with respect to the abrupt change in channel and schedule of games, the board decided that the airing of PBA games in IBC13 under the schedule provided by the PBA and as provided in the television contract shall continue to be enforced and in effect,” said the PBA in a statement.
In the same meeting at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City, the board, under chair Robert Non of Barangay Ginebra, repealed rules on import rights and unrestricted free agency.
A team can now cede its rights over an import to another team without going through the waiver procedure with the exception of sister teams which would have to go through the normal waiver procedure.
Meanwhile, a local player who has played in the league for seven years automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of his contract. In which case, any team can offer to engage his services without the mother team having any right of first refusal provided however the mother team is given the right to offer the unrestricted free agent a salary 20 percent over the existing salary cap at the time of the player’s free agency.
This will apply to all rookies, beginning the 2014 season. (SB)
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