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| (Image Source: One Sports/Philippine Basketball Association) |
The recently concluded Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup finals has given the nation something to be ecstatic with both live audience attendance and TV ratings reaching impressive heights. More than 3.5 million viewers watched the exciting Game 6 between Meralco Bolts and San Miguel Beermen on RPTV. According to Nielsen's Philippine National TV Audience Measurement (PHINTAM) and National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) rankings, the championship game peaked at an impressive 4.7 percent with more than 3.5 million viewers nationwide, making it the highest rating sports event so far this year.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial welcomed the latest ratings’ result and mentioned the importance of reaching out to the fans in different platforms and give them action-packed PBA ball games they deserve, saying, “We are very grateful ‘yung mga manonood natin ay patuloy tayong sinusundan, at nadagdagan pa sila noong mga nakatutok sa atin sa RPTV, sa ating carrying cable network at sa social media." The PBA is looking forward to an even vibrant season following the warm reception it generated from the viewership with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and the Board of Governors and Directors becoming ecstatic towards what is in the pipeline for Asia’s premiere basketball league. The PBA numbers, as reported, have given the league the motivation to continuously innovate and offer new and exciting format for its fans as well as innovating the content in different platforms. “Maganda sa PBA at maganda sa fans. Malaking bagay dahil nabigyan natin ng wider reach ang PBA sa mga fans” said Marcial.
Fans can expect better PBA as the league will revert to a three-conference format with the Governors’ Cup serving as the first conference of the season. It will be followed by the Commissioner’s Cup, and the Philippine Cup will close out the year. The PBA will have a head start in the market as the Governors’ Cup is slated to tip off in August. This scheduling also ensures that the Philippine representatives to the East Asia Super League will have two imports who have already adjusted to their respective teams by the time the mini-tournament begins. Starting the season with the import-laden conferences is intended to align Philippine basketball with international leagues which have their imports signed from October to May. The sports Gods from the heavens must be feeling extravagant as the Philippines gets to enjoy national sports in volleyball and basketball. Both enjoy a loyal core of fans but the fact remains that our beloved Philippines is still is a basketball loving country.
