A Decade of Partnership: FIBA and Cignal’s Growing Alliance

The relationship between FIBA and Cignal began in 2017, and this extension marks a continuation of a highly successful collaboration. The partnership has consistently delivered high viewership numbers, particularly for games featuring the Philippines’ national team, Gilas Pilipinas. This enduring alliance underscores the shared commitment to growing the sport within the country.

Cignal’s comprehensive coverage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which saw the Philippines serve as a co-host and host the Final Phase, demonstrated their capability to deliver world-class broadcasting. The success of that event played a crucial role in securing this extended partnership.

Multi-Platform Access: Reaching Fans Where They Are

The new agreement encompasses free-to-air, pay-TV, and over-the-top (OTT) rights, ensuring that FIBA events are accessible to a broad audience. Viewers can tune in to live action on free-to-air channels One Sports and RPTV, while subscribers can enjoy coverage on pay-TV channels One Sports+ and PBA Rush. For those preferring digital platforms, Pilipinas Live, Cignal Play, and Cignal Super will provide comprehensive access.

The Pilipinas Live app will further enhance the viewing experience by offering video-on-demand access to all FIBA games, alongside exclusive highlights and player features. This multi-faceted approach reflects Cignal’s dedication to meeting the evolving consumption habits of basketball fans.

Key Tournaments on the Horizon

Cignal will broadcast all major FIBA tournaments and qualifying events, including the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. The Philippines will also host the 32nd edition of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2027, promising a surge in local interest and viewership. What impact will hosting these major events have on the growth of basketball in the Philippines?

Beyond these flagship events, Cignal will also provide coverage of all qualifying matches, ensuring fans can follow the journey of their favorite teams and players throughout the year. This consistent stream of content will maintain momentum and build excitement for the sport.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “As we saw at the last FIBA Basketball World Cup, the passion for basketball in the Philippines is incredible, and Cignal has already proven how important it is to have a respected and valued broadcast partner who can meet that voracious appetite for the sport. We are delighted to have been able to extend our relationship for another four-year period, and it’s tremendous news for the fans. They will be able to consume basketball content in more ways than ever before. Growing the FIBA game globally is something we always have in our minds and the acceleration in popularity shows no signs of slowing down – thanks to the work of our broadcast partners such as Cignal.”

Jane Jimenez-Basas, President and CEO of Cignal, added, “There is nothing like the passion of our Filipino basketball fans. Our renewed partnership with FIBA is a testament to our commitment to them. We will continue to make sure that everyone can get the basketball content that they need, no matter what device they’re using.”

The continued collaboration between FIBA and Cignal is a significant win for basketball enthusiasts in the Philippines, promising an exciting future for the sport in the region. Will this partnership inspire a new generation of Filipino basketball players?

Frequently Asked Questions About the FIBA-Cignal Partnership

• What channels will broadcast FIBA Basketball in the Philippines?

  FIBA Basketball will be available on One Sports and RPTV (free-to-air), One Sports+ and PBA Rush (pay-TV), and Pilipinas Live, Cignal Play, and Cignal Super (OTT platforms).

• Will I be able to watch FIBA games on demand?

  Yes, the Pilipinas Live app will offer video-on-demand access to all FIBA games, as well as selected highlights and special content.

• Which major FIBA tournaments are covered by this partnership?

  This partnership covers all major FIBA tournaments and qualifiers, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027, which will be held in the Philippines.

• How long does the new FIBA-Cignal partnership last?

  The new partnership is for a period of four years, extending the existing relationship to a second decade.

• What is Cignal’s role in promoting basketball in the Philippines?

  Cignal plays a vital role in promoting basketball by providing extensive coverage of FIBA events, making the sport accessible to a wide audience across various platforms.