MBA here to stay minus ABS-CBN?

The MBA is confident of its continued existence amid persistent reports that broadcast giant ABS-CBN, the league’s chief backer the past four years, is studying its options for next season when its contract with the league expires this December.

Ramon Tuason, the league’s director for business and marketing, told The STAR yesterday that ABS-CBN is currently reviewing its stand and has asked the MBA to submit an audio-visual presentation of its programs for next year.

"The MBA, represented by Negros team owner Babes Alvarez, met with ABS CBN chairman Gabby Lopez Wednesday and we were asked to submit a presentation of our program for next season which we are currently preparing right now," said Tuason.

The MBA official, however, maintained that the television outfit never mentioned whether it will renew its contract with the league or not. ABS CBN’s contract with MBA expires on Dec. 23 this year.

"It will really depend on the current condition of the league and the presentation we are asked to prepare in two week’s time. But whether ABS- CBN will continue to work with us or not next year, the league is prepared to run its own show," said Tuason.

In this regard, the MBA, according to Tuason, is currently eyeing Studio 23, NBN 4 or RPN 9 as the possible stations to telecast the MBA games for next year.

"We’re still negotiating with these television stations so nothing is certain yet but we’re expecting to have a clear atmosphere by next week," he said.

At the same time, Tuason has set a board meeting next week to discuss matters pertaining to the renewal of each team’s commitment for next year. Also to be tackled is the MBA’s planned audio-video presentation not only for ABS CBN but for the other TV outfits as well.

"The board will meet next Thursday and we will talk about our plans next year and the renewal of each team’s commitment to the league. We will also finalize our planned presentation of our programs for the 2002 season as asked by the ABS CBN group," said Tuason.

He added that the league is expecting three more corporations or groups to come in as sponsors of the three other ballclubs, namely: Negros, Socsargen-Taguig, and Nueva Ecija.

"The MBA is going strong and because of that, we’ll retain the current set-up of eight teams. The only difference is that each team will have private sponsorship next year," said Tuason.