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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PBA is healthy and growing, says Chairman Ricky Vargas

PBA is healthy and growing, says Chairman Ricky Vargas

Published Feb 27, 2020 12:00 am

By Kristel Satumbaga

POC chairman Ricky Vargas (Nick Giongco photo) PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas believes the wide variety of viewing platforms makes the league "healthy and growing."

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas believes the league, which enters its 45th season next week, is healthy and growing as far as viewership is concerned.

Though gate receipts declined by four percent last year, Vargas said the availability of various platforms such as TV, radio and mobile have allowed the public to get better viewing access of the games.

“We’re looking at 2020 as a turnaround,” said Vargas. “It may not be in the gates (receipts), but on other areas. We will reach outside the region. We are growing.”

Last season alone, the league’s social media presence and reception increased to 25 percent with its highest online viewership of 3.5 million views during a Meralco-Ginebra game.

Game 1 of the Governors’ Cup finals also pitting Meralco and Ginebra drew 3.2 million online viewers while the triple overtime game between NLEX and Northport were watched by 1.5 million viewers via livestream.

Cignal/TV5 President Robert Galang, right, sees to expand the broadcast quality of the PBA for viewers across the world through several platforms. (Tito Talao) Cignal/TV5 President Robert Galang, right, here talking to MB Sports' Kristel Satumbaga, sees a need to expand the broadcast quality of the PBA for viewers across the world through several platforms. (TST)

Cignal/TV5 president Robert Galang said they are expanding on their broadcast quality to give in to the viewer’s demands by providing new camera angles, super slo mos, more graphics, statistics and analysis during the games.

They are also going to make the league’s presence known in several platforms such as the mobile app, Cignal Play, where viewers can access programs on-the-go.

The games will also be covered over radio via Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM.

“Akala lang natin bumababa ang TV viewership, but actually, lumalaki ito. Nag-iiba lang ng platforms na ginagamit, hindi lang basta sa bahay,” Galang said.

“It’s exciting because we have a lot of things in store for the viewers as sports, being the No. 1 pillar of the content that we provide to the Filipino viewing public. The way we look at it, it’s not only about the Filipinos in the country, but Filipinos worldwide.”

Meanwhile, Marcial said they are doing their best to improve their gate receipts by providing huge discounts on ticket prices, as well as, bringing the games to other venues like the refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Taft, Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

"Kausap namin ang fans. Sabi nila mataas ang presyo (of tickets). Pero ginagawan na natin ng paraan yan," said Marcial.

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