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FIBA and Cignal Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Premier Basketball in the Philippines

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor




FIBA Extends broadcast Partnership with Cignal Through 2027

Manila, Philippines – The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Cignal TV have announced a renewed four-year broadcast partnership, solidifying their collaboration and ensuring extensive coverage of FIBA events throughout the Philippines. The extension,building upon an initial agreement established in 2017,promises enhanced viewing experiences for basketball enthusiasts across the nation.

Expanding Basketball Access Across Platforms

This extended partnership focuses on a multi-platform broadcasting strategy,designed to reach fans through traditional television and evolving digital channels. Cignal will deliver FIBA competitions through free-to-air channels One Sports and RPTV, pay-TV channels One Sports+ and PBA Rush, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms including Pilipinas Live, Cignal play, and Cignal Super. The Pilipinas Live app will also offer video-on-demand access to all games, alongside curated highlights and special content.

A Proven Track Record: The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Cignal’s commitment to showcasing FIBA events has consistently resulted in high viewership rates, especially for games featuring the Philippines’ national men’s basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas. The broadcasting company played a pivotal role in the thorough coverage of the highly successful 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, co-hosted by the philippines, providing fans with extensive access to the tournament’s Final Phase.

Key Tournament Coverage

Under the new agreement, Cignal will broadcast all of FIBA’s premier tournaments and qualifying events, including the 2027 FIBA basketball World Cup and the 32nd edition of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which the Philippines will host in the same year. This signifies a significant commitment to growing the sport’s presence within the country.

Platform Type
One Sports Free-to-Air
RPTV Free-to-Air
One Sports+ Pay-TV
PBA Rush Pay-TV
Pilipinas Live OTT
Cignal Play OTT
Cignal Super OTT

“As we saw at the last FIBA Basketball World Cup, the passion for basketball in the Philippines is amazing,” stated Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services. “Cignal has proven its ability to meet this demand, and we are pleased to extend our relationship, giving fans more ways to engage with the sport.”

Jane Jimenez-Basas, President and CEO of Cignal, added, “The passion of Filipino basketball fans is unparalleled. Our renewed partnership demonstrates our dedication to delivering the content they desire, nonetheless of their preferred device.”

The Growing Popularity of Basketball in the Philippines

Basketball enjoys immense popularity in the Philippines, deeply ingrained in the nation’s sporting culture. According to a 2023 survey by Statista,approximately 93% of Filipinos expressed an interest in basketball,making it the most popular sport in the country. This fervent support extends to both professional and international competitions, driving strong television viewership and digital engagement. The Philippines’ long-standing participation in FIBA events, combined with the rising success of Gilas Pilipinas, continues to fuel this enthusiasm.

Did You Know? The Philippines first participated in the FIBA World Cup in 1954, achieving a historic bronze medal finish – the country’s best result to date.

Pro Tip: Stay updated on FIBA schedules and results by visiting the official FIBA website or following Cignal’s sports channels on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions About the FIBA-Cignal Partnership

  1. What does this partnership mean for FIBA basketball fans in the Philippines? This means wider access to FIBA events through various platforms like free-to-air TV, pay-TV, and streaming apps.
  2. Which tournaments will be covered under this new agreement? Coverage includes the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and the 32nd FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, along with all qualifying events.
  3. How can I watch FIBA events on demand? The Pilipinas Live app will provide video-on-demand access to all games and selected highlights.
  4. What platforms will be broadcasting FIBA games? One Sports, RPTV, One Sports+, PBA Rush, Pilipinas live, Cignal Play, and Cignal Super will broadcast FIBA events.
  5. Why is the Philippines a key market for FIBA? The Philippines has a massive and passionate basketball fanbase, making it a crucial market for growing the sport.

What are your thoughts on this extended partnership? Will this increased access change how you follow FIBA basketball? Share your comments below!


How might increased accessibility to FIBA events via free-to-air television impact viewership numbers compared to subscription-based platforms in the Philippines?

FIBA and Cignal Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Premier Basketball in the Philippines

Expanding Broadcast Reach for Philippine basketball

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Cignal TV have announced a notable strengthening of their existing partnership, aiming to elevate the viewing experience and accessibility of premier basketball events in the Philippines. This collaboration focuses on broadcasting key FIBA competitions, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup, FIBA Continental Cups, and qualifying tournaments, to a wider Filipino audience. The extended agreement underscores the growing popularity of basketball in the Philippines and the commitment of both organizations to its development. This partnership directly impacts Philippine basketball fans, providing more opportunities to witness world-class competition.

Key Components of the Renewed Agreement

The enhanced partnership encompasses several key areas designed to benefit both FIBA and Cignal TV, and also the passionate Filipino basketball community. These include:

* Expanded Broadcast Rights: Cignal TV secures exclusive broadcast rights for a comprehensive range of FIBA events across its various platforms – Cignal, SatLite, and TV5. This includes free-to-air coverage on TV5, maximizing reach.

* Digital Streaming Integration: A crucial element is the integration of live streaming and on-demand content through Cignal Play, Cignal’s OTT (Over-The-Top) platform. This caters to the increasing demand for basketball streaming and allows fans to watch games anytime, anywhere.

* Production Enhancements: Joint investment in high-quality production values, including improved camera angles, expert commentary, and pre- and post-game analysis, will enhance the overall viewing experience. This focus on basketball broadcasting quality is a key differentiator.

* Promotional Activities: Collaborative marketing campaigns will be launched to promote FIBA events and engage with Filipino basketball fans. This includes social media contests, fan zones, and potential meet-and-greets with players.

Benefits for Filipino Basketball Fans

This strengthened partnership translates into tangible benefits for basketball enthusiasts across the Philippines:

* Increased Accessibility: More games will be available on both free-to-air television (TV5) and subscription-based platforms (Cignal), making premier basketball more accessible to a broader audience.

* Enhanced Viewing Experience: Higher production quality, expert analysis, and multi-platform access will significantly improve the viewing experience.

* Support for National team: Increased exposure to FIBA events will generate greater support and awareness for the Philippine national basketball team (Gilas Pilipinas) as they compete on the international stage.

* Growth of the Sport: The partnership contributes to the overall growth and development of basketball in the Philippines by inspiring young players and fostering a stronger basketball culture.

Cignal’s Role in Philippine Sports Broadcasting

Cignal TV has established itself as a major player in Philippine sports broadcasting, consistently investing in acquiring rights to premier sporting events. Beyond basketball, Cignal broadcasts a wide range of sports, including football, volleyball, and motorsports. Their commitment to providing high-quality sports content has made them a preferred choice for Filipino sports fans. This dedication to sports broadcasting in the Philippines is a cornerstone of their strategy.

FIBA’s Strategy for growth in Asia

FIBA recognizes the Philippines as a key basketball market in Asia. The partnership with Cignal TV is part of a broader strategy to expand the reach and popularity of basketball across the region. This includes investing in development programs, supporting national federations, and increasing the visibility of FIBA events. The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, co-hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, demonstrated the immense passion for basketball in the region and the potential for future growth. The success of the World Cup highlighted the importance of strong media partnerships like the one with Cignal. FIBA’s Asia strategy is focused on long-term sustainable growth.

Impact on Local Basketball Leagues

While focused on international competitions, this partnership can also indirectly benefit local basketball leagues in the Philippines.Increased exposure to high-level international basketball can inspire players and coaches, raise the overall standard of play, and attract more investment into the sport. The visibility gained through Cignal’s platforms can also help promote local leagues and tournaments. This creates a positive feedback loop, fostering the development of Philippine basketball leagues.

Future developments & Potential

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