The landscape of Philippine collegiate sports is undergoing a major transformation. In a week of significant back-to-back announcements, the NCAA Philippines is searching for a new home after its five-year journey with GMA Network came to an end, while the UAAP solidified its future by extending its broadcast partnership with Cignal TV for another five seasons.
The End of an Era: NCAA on GMA Signs Off
After half a decade of "Rising Up Stronger" and celebrating its historic centennial year, the NCAA has officially concluded its broadcast contract with GMA Network. The partnership, which began in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, saw the "Grand Old League" find a massive platform on GTV, Heart of Asia, and GMA’s various digital assets.
Despite the successful milestone of NCAA Season 100, reports indicate that the network decided not to pursue a renewal. The partnership officially winds down following the conclusion of the Season 101 volleyball tournaments. During its tenure, GMA was credited with bringing high-definition coverage and a wider reach to the oldest athletic association in the Philippines, but the league must now look toward a new broadcast partner for Season 102 and beyond.
UAAP and Cignal TV: A Partnership Built for the Future
While one door closes for the NCAA, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is locking its doors—in a good way. The UAAP has formally signed a five-year contract extension with Cignal TV, ensuring that the premier collegiate league remains under the MediaQuest umbrella through Season 93.
The ceremonial signing, attended by MediaQuest Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and UAAP officials, guarantees continued high-quality coverage across One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live streaming app.
"We are privileged to extend our coverage of the UAAP. It is a five-year engagement, and we promise to improve the coverage of all sports of the association," said MVP during the event.
What This Means for Fans
- For NCAA Fans: The league is currently in a transition phase. While the "Thank You" graphics have begun to circulate, fans are eagerly waiting to see which network will pick up the mantle for the next season.
- For UAAP Fans: Stability is the name of the game. With Cignal’s "Pilipinas Live" app, global fans can expect even more integrated streaming options, making every game—from basketball to fencing—accessible anywhere in the world.
As the 2026 sports calendar moves forward, the "Grand Old League" enters a new chapter of uncertainty, while the UAAP doubles down on its digital-first broadcasting strategy.
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