# PBA on Solar Sports

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Branding used for PBA telecasts on Solar Sports in the Philippines

PBA on Solar Sports Also known as PBA on C/S9 (2008–09) PBA on Solar TV (2009–11) Genre PBA game telecasts Presented by see PBA on Solar Sports commentators Country of origin Philippines Original languages English Filipino Production Camera setup Multiple-camera setup Running time varies Production company Solar Sports Original release Network C/S 9/Solar TV (2008–11) Studio 23 (2011) Basketball TV Release October 8, 2008 (2008-10-08) – August 21, 2011 (2011-08-21) Related PBA on ABC PBA on AKTV PBA on KBS

***PBA on Solar Sports*** (formerly known as ***PBA on C/S 9*** and ***PBA on Solar TV***) is a [Philippine television](/source/Television_in_the_Philippines) sports presentation show broadcast by [C/S](/source/C%2FS), [Solar TV](/source/Solar_TV) and [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23). It aired from October 4, 2008 to August 21, 2011. The consist of branding used for presentation of [Philippine Basketball Association](/source/Philippine_Basketball_Association) produced by [Solar Sports](/source/Solar_Sports). Solar Entertainment had acquired the rights to the PBA after a highly publicized bidding war with major broadcaster [ABS-CBN](/source/ABS-CBN_Corporation), and aired games on several channels, including [Basketball TV](/source/Basketball_TV), the [RPN](/source/Radio_Philippines_Network) (which Solar was operating), and later on [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23).

## History

### Bidding process

The [Associated Broadcasting Company](/source/TV5_Network) (ABC) had [broadcast PBA games](/source/PBA_on_ABC) since [2004](/source/2004%E2%80%9305_PBA_season) on its [VHF](/source/Very_high_frequency) [Channel 5](/source/DWET-TV), succeeding the failed [NBN and IBC consortium](/source/PBA_on_NBN%2FIBC) which left the league in debt. ABC's current contract would expire at the end of the [2007-08 season](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_PBA_season), so the league began to accept bids for the next contract. ABC, the [ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation](/source/ABS-CBN_Corporation) (through ABS-CBN Sports), and the [Solar Entertainment Corporation](/source/Solar_Entertainment_Corporation) emerged as frontrunners.

ABS-CBN has served as the official broadcaster of [UAAP](/source/University_Athletic_Association_of_the_Philippines) basketball games since 2000. As part of its bid for the contract, ABS-CBN organized a charity exhibition game which aired on [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23), featuring PBA alumni from the [Ateneo Blue Eagles](/source/Ateneo_Blue_Eagles) and the [De La Salle Green Archers](/source/De_La_Salle_Green_Archers_basketball).[1] Solar Entertainment had recently begun a partnership with [RPN](/source/Radio_Philippines_Network) to provide programming for the network, primarily in response to a carriage dispute with ABS-CBN-owned [cable](/source/Cable_television) provider [Sky Cable](/source/Sky_Cable); which saw 6 of its networks (including its sports channels [Solar Sports](/source/Solar_Sports) and [Basketball TV](/source/Basketball_TV)) pulled from its systems in January 2008.[2][3] However, ABC was reported to be piqued at the way the league was handling the bidding practice, hence it backed out of the bidding process. ABC had paid [₱](/source/Philippine_peso)70 million to air the 2007-08 season, its last.[4]

The backing out of ABC narrowed down the field to two possible broadcasters; ABS-CBN (who would broadcast games on its main network and [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23)), and Solar Entertainment (who would air games on [Basketball TV](/source/Basketball_TV) and RPN, which Solar then operated under the on-air brand C/S 9). [GMA Network](/source/GMA_Network) was also reportedly planning to bid but backed out; it however denied that they offered a bid.[3]

Another bidder eventually came into force, the Makisig Network; which would air the games on [Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation](/source/Intercontinental_Broadcasting_Corporation)'s [DZTV-TV](/source/DZTV-TV). However, it was reported that both ABS-CBN and Solar submitted identical bids to the PBA Board: ₱160 million for the first year, ₱168 million for the second and ₱170 million for the third year (compared to ABC's ₱70 million for its fifth year).[5]

PBA Chairman [Tony Chua](/source/Tony_Chua) of [Red Bull Barako](/source/Barako_Bull_Energy_Boosters) pushed the board to come out with a decision as soon as possible; former PBA chairman Ricky Vargas of the [Talk 'N Text Phone Pals](/source/TNT_Tropang_Giga), a supporter of the ABS-CBN bid, said that money should not be a deciding factor. Also, Chua announced that [Nielsen Media Research](/source/AGB_Nielsen_Philippines) would research the comparative reach, demographics and audience share of both bids and present their findings to the PBA board.[6] After receiving Nielsen's data, another provider, Mind Shares, was consulted. By this time, the bids were now slightly different: Solar's bid was ₱31 million greater than the amount ABS-CBN offered for the first three years of the contract, while ABS-CBN offered a four-year package with the option to sign a three-year contract-extension at the end of the initial deal, with Solar a straight-up three-year deal.[7]

ABS-CBN backed out its bid after receiving a solitary vote in the 9-member board. However, Solar Sports did not automatically clinch the bid outright since the league was "insisting on a lockout to protect business interests of its team members".[8] It was revealed that, according to Mind Share, if the PBA aired on RPN, it would rate 7.9%, while if it aired on Studio 23, it would rate 1.8%, "without taking into consideration the tremendous cross-promotions boost that would immediately impact on ratings under an ABS-CBN partnership."[9] This caused Solar Sports to be the *de facto* front-runner.

### Solar and the PBA

On May 27, 2008, the PBA announced that Solar Sports had won the rights with a deal reportedly worth ₱508 million. Aside from live games aired on RPN, Solar would provide additional coverage on its [Basketball TV](/source/Basketball_TV) cable channel.[10] The return of the PBA to RPN dates back to the [inaugural season of the PBA in 1975](/source/1975_PBA_season) when [games were broadcast on KBS](/source/PBA_on_KBS).[10][11]

During an October 15, 2010, double-header during the [Philippine Cups](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_PBA_Philippine_Cup)' elimination round, Solar's satellite equipment experienced multiple faults, including alleged problems with the encoder and power amplifier. These technical problems caused intermittent interruptions to the telecasts, and forced a game between the Meralco Bolts and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters to be aired on Basketball TV the next day on [tape delay](/source/Broadcast_delay). The technical problems resulted in commissioner [Chito Salud](/source/Chito_Salud) issuing a ₱3,000,000 fine to Solar for not broadcasting a game live, a condition of the network's contract with the league. In a meeting with the PBA's board, Solar also promised that it would take steps to improve the quality of its telecasts and prevent such issues from occurring in the future.[12][13]

### Move to Studio 23

In December 2010, Solar Entertainment announced that they would be seeking a new broadcast television partner for its PBA coverage due to a planned relaunch of the Solar TV network, with a new lineup aimed more 'feminine' programs (resulting in the dropping of all other sports programming from its lineup).[14] Solar executives held meetings with representatives from [ABS-CBN](/source/ABS-CBN_Corporation), the [GMA Network](/source/GMA_Network_(company)), and the [Associated Broadcasting Company](/source/TV5_Network) in order to gauge interest in picking up the package, while commissioner [Chito Salud](/source/Chito_Salud) made a statement on December 2 that the PBA board's only concern would be Solar's commitment to the rest of their contract with the league.[15] On December 12, Salud announced that the PBA's Board of Governors officially approved Solar's request to find a new broadcasting partner.[16]

On February 8, 2011, the board approved a proposal made by Solar Sports to produce PBA telecasts to air on [ABS-CBN](/source/ABS-CBN_Corporation)'s [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23) network for the remainder of their contract with the league, beginning with the [2011 Commissioner's Cup](/source/2011_PBA_Commissioner's_Cup). [Peter Musñgi](/source/Peter_Mus%C3%B1gi), vice president of ABS-CBN's sports department, applauded the decision, considering it a "vote of confidence" for Studio 23 and [ABS-CBN's sports division](/source/ABS-CBN_Sports) as a whole.[17][18][19]

Solar declined to renew its contract beyond the 2011-12 season. [Sports5](/source/One_Sports) and [AKTV](/source/AKTV) became the new official broadcasters of the PBA following the [2011 Governors' Cup](/source/2011_PBA_Governors'_Cup).[20]

Solar aired on [Studio 23](/source/Studio_23) it is the last PBA games during the Game 7 of the [2011 Governors' Cup finals](/source/2011_PBA_Governors'_Cup_finals) between the [Petron Blaze Boosters](/source/San_Miguel_Beermen) and the [Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters](/source/TNT_Tropang_Giga). Sev Sarmenta, Andy Jao and [Quinito Henson](/source/Joaquin_Henson) were the commentators for its last run.

## Commentators

Solar Entertainment announced their announcing team for the 2008-09 season at a meeting in [Makati](/source/Makati). Longtime PBA panelists Ed Picson and [Quinito Henson](/source/Joaquin_Henson) covered their first game for the 2008-09 season between Talk 'N Text and Coca-Cola. Sev Sarmenta joined the PBA panel in February 2009 after a 6-year hiatus.[21]

### Final presenters

Anchors Mico Halili Paolo Trillo Magoo Marjon Sev Sarmenta Patricia Bermudez-Hizon Richard del Rosario Color Norman Black Danny Francisco Quinito Henson Vince Hizon Jason Webb Andy Jao Ronnie Magsanoc Alex Compton Yeng Guiao Courtside reporters Patricia Bermudez-Hizon Dominic Uy Chiqui Reyes Jinno Rufino Mica Abesamis Cesca Litton Marga Vargas

### Former

#### Anchors

- [Ed Picson](/source/Ed_Picson)

- Jude Turcuato

- Jimmy Javier

- Benjie Santiago

- Vitto Lazatin

#### Courtside reporters

- Lia Cruz

- Peaches Aberin

- Reema Chanco

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Ochoa, Francis (March 19, 2008). ["Expect fireworks in Ateneo-La Salle PBA showdown"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080319225440/http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080319-125605/Expect-fireworks-in-Ateneo-La-Salle-PBA-showdown). [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer). Archived from [the original](http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080319-125605/Expect-fireworks-in-Ateneo-La-Salle-PBA-showdown) on March 19, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Cable company dropping Solar channels effective Jan.1"](http://www.gmanews.tv/story/62112/Cable-company-dropping-Solar-channels-effective-Jan1). GMA News. Retrieved December 19, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-absedge_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-absedge_3-1) Orellana, Joel (April 14, 2008). ["ABS-CBN appears to have edge in PBA bidding war"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080828232915/http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/04142008/sports02.html). The [Business Mirror](/source/Business_Mirror). Archived from [the original](http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/04142008/sports02.html) on August 28, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Castillo, Musong (April 10, 2008). ["ABC5 backing out of PBA TV bidding"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080929050241/http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view_article.php?article_id=129429). [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer). Archived from [the original](http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view_article.php?article_id=129429) on September 29, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Celis, Beth (May 1, 2008). ["Identical PBA bids by Solar, ABS-CBN"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080604153523/http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080501-133818/Identical-PBA-bids-by-Solar-ABS-CBN). [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer). Archived from [the original](http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080501-133818/Identical-PBA-bids-by-Solar-ABS-CBN) on June 4, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Nathanielsz, Ronnie (May 6, 2008). ["Chua wants board to decide early"](http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports2_may6_2008). [Manila Standard Today](/source/Manila_Standard_Today). Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Beltran, Nelson (May 23, 2008). ["PBA defers decision on television rights"](http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=119215). [Philippine Star](/source/Philippine_Star) via abs-cbnnews.com. Retrieved May 27, 2008. [*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Hernandez, Lourdes Florian (May 24, 2008). ["ABS-CBN withdraws PBA television bid"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080526090849/http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/20080524spo1.html). [The Daily Tribune](/source/The_Daily_Tribune). Archived from [the original](http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/20080524spo1.html) on May 26, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Nathanielsz, Ronnie (May 24, 2008). ["ABS-CBN won't bid anymore"](http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports1_may24_2008). [Manila Standard Today](/source/Manila_Standard_Today). Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-PBA_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-PBA_10-1) ["SOLAR SPORTS BAGS 3-YEAR PBA TV DEAL"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080528062320/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/). www.pba.ph. May 27, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2133/1/) on May 28, 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Macamay, Zean (May 28, 2008). ["Solar gets it"](http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-28&sec=7&aid=61130). [People's Journal](/source/People's_Journal). Retrieved June 2, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [PBA board to discuss issues on TV coverage](http://www.gmanews.tv/story/205462/pba-board-to-discuss-issues-on-tv-coverage), Rey Joble, GMANews.tv, November 8, 2010

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [PBA, SolarTV vow better TV coverage of games](http://www.gmanews.tv/story/205551/pba-solartv-vow-better-tv-coverage-of-games), Rey Joble, GMANews.tv, November 9, 2010

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [Solar drops PBA for ‘feminine’ programs](http://inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-drops-PBA-for-feminine-programs.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101210163923/http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-drops-PBA-for-feminine-programs.html) December 10, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Musong R. Castillo, [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer), December 8, 2010

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Solar TV giving up PBA coverage](http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Solar-TV-giving-up-PBAcoverage.html), [Ronnie Nathanielsz](/source/Ronnie_Nathanielsz), [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer), December 2, 2010

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [PBA allows Solar TV to find broadcast partner](http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/34730-pba-allows-solar-tv-to-find-broadcast-partner)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*], Josef Ramos, [Manila Times](/source/Manila_Times), December 12, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Solar finds a partner for airing of PBA games](http://www.gmanews.tv/story/212496/solar-finds-a-partner-for-airing-of-pba-games) by Rey Joble, GMA News Online, February 9, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [PBA GIVES NOD ON GAME TELECAST ON STUDIO 23](http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/751), PBA.ph, February 8, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [PBA agrees to airing its games on Studio 23](http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/PBA-agrees-to-airing-its-games-on-Studio-23.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110212133514/http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/PBA-agrees-to-airing-its-games-on-Studio-23.html) February 12, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), Musong R. Castillo, [Philippine Daily Inquirer](/source/Philippine_Daily_Inquirer), February 8, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [PBA, TV5 to seal partnership](https://archive.today/20120906145734/http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=703662&keyword=sp_pba), Nelson Beltran, [The Philippine Star](/source/The_Philippine_Star), July 7, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["SOLAR TO LAUNCH HIGH-TECH PBA TELECAST"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080911061710/http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2261/1/). PBA.ph. September 5, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.pba.ph/content/view/2261/1/) on September 11, 2008. Retrieved September 12, 2008.

## See also

- [PBA on KBS](/source/PBA_on_KBS) - The PBA's original coverage partner.

- [List of programs previously broadcast by Radio Philippines Network](/source/List_of_programs_previously_broadcast_by_Radio_Philippines_Network)

Preceded by PBA on ABC/TV5 PBA TV coverage partners 2008–2011 Succeeded by PBA on AKTV

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [PBA on Solar Sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBA_on_Solar_Sports) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PBA_on_Solar_Sports?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.