Asean league eyes partnership with ESPN

MANILA, Philippines - The launching of the Asean Basketball League (ABL), the first regional professional league, has been moved to a later date as organizers are working out to forge a strong alliance with sporting network giant ESPN for the league’s grand opening in October.

Dr. Mikee Romero, who co-owns the Philippine club franchise with ABC-5 owner Tony Boy Cojuangco, announced the other day the postponement of the launching since ABL’s top brass are trying to close a 10-year deal with ESPN, which it said will play a crucial role in the success of the league.

“Though we have already set everything for the launching of the event, we have to give way for this very important undertaking of the league. We know the value of ESPN and we know the value of a local television,” said the young owner of Harbour Centre. “We will announce the final date perhaps next week.”

The launching was initially set tomorrow in Manila with Cojuangco and Romero ready to welcome officials and players of the six-country tournament designed to produce an Asean hero, create new rivalry, and promote ASEAN brands in the market since basketball is acknowledged as the world’s second most popular sport - next to football (soccer).