The NCAA ushered in the end of its five-year broadcast partnership with GMA Network on Friday, closing the chapter with both a historic championship and an emotional farewell message to viewers.
Anchor Martin Javier led the sign-off during the final coverage at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, expressing gratitude to fans who followed the league’s journey since 2020.
“Maraming maraming salamat po for accepting the league, embracing it, and tuning in,” Javier said, acknowledging the community built around NCAA coverage over the past five years.
He also encouraged supporters to continue backing student-athletes beyond the network’s run.
“Kahit saan po magpunta ang NCAA, sana po kapitanin n’yo yung mga storya ng ating mga atleta at mga coaches because the future is bright with them,” he added.
Javier emphasized that the athletes’ impact will extend well beyond the league.
“This is not the last time you’ll hear from them in the volleyball scene and in Philippine sports,” he said.
The farewell came on the same day Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights captured the NCAA Season 101 women’s volleyball title, dethroning College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in Game 3 and ending a 28-year championship drought while snapping the Lady Blazers’ four-year reign.
The NCAA-GMA partnership, which began in 2020, spanned multiple seasons and featured coverage of seniors’ and juniors’ basketball, as well as men’s and women’s volleyball across television and digital platforms.
Despite its wide reach, the partnership faced challenges in maintaining steady commercial support, with sponsorships often peaking during postseason play. The lack of a dedicated streaming service also limited revenue opportunities.
With the agreement now concluded, the NCAA is set to seek new broadcast partners as it prepares for future seasons. (AC)
