With the bid up for grabs, GMA7 and TV5 are among the media giants discussing with the oldest collegiate league.

NCAA’s 10-year deal with ABS-CBN had been terminated following the denial of the franchise renewal of the network by the House of Representatives.

According to other media sources closely monitoring the situation, GMA7 is the closest one with inking the 5-year deal.

If NCAA will be transferring to GMA7, it will be its flagship and will be pioneering the sports program of the network, the source said.

GMA is no stranger to sporting programs for the station has aired V-League and a boxing program aired on GMA News TV on a delayed telecast.

The country’s largest broadcast network is venturing into sports media with the goal of boosting collegiate sports and dedicating generous air time and resources.

However, the bid with TV5 still has high hopes in securing the deal having an edge with sports broadcasting over the years.

“That’s their advantage, the experience they had with the league, their own experience covering the games, and of course—I think this is the most important—is the system they have,” according to a source from Manila Bulletin.

The NCAA Policy Board is to decide after the final round of pitches from GMA7 and TV5 this week.

If given the green light, NCAA Season 96 is expected to return in the first quarter of 2021 featuring sports limited to basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. Moreover, the league is exploring staging online events, such as esports and online chess.