Why GMA-7 waived exclusive rights to air Pacquiao-Mayweather fight on free TV

 

Like in the past, GMA Network held the exclusive rights to air Manny Pacquiao's fight against Floyd Mayweather on May 3 on free television.

 

But instead of going alone in the broadcast, the network welcomed rivals ABS-CBN and TV5 into the fold, leading to an unprecedented simulcast of the much-awaited mega-fight.

 

"We want every Filipino to be of part of this momentous event. This is the only reason why GMA is waiving its exclusive TV rights in the Philippines for the Pacquiao Mayweather fight," said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon in a statement read by the network's Executive Vice President Felipe S. Yalong in a news conference announcing the development on Thursday.

 

Pacquiao took the time to thank the television networks and rights holder Solar Entertainment for making the simulcast possible.

 

"Maraming-maraming salamat sa GMA, ABS-CBN, TV5 and Solar Sports dahil sa pagkakaisa, pagkakaintindihan para mapalabas sa ating mga kababayan ang fight na ito," said Pacquiao.

 

Yalong revealed that it was Pacquiao who pushed for the networks to do the joint broadcast.

 

"It is a personal request made by Cong. Manny Pacquiao," said Yalong. 

 

"If you look into the contract of Manny Pacquiao, he has an exclusive contract with GMA-7. But this time we owe it to the Filipino people, everybody should have an opportunity to be able to see Manny Pacquiao to Mayweather in the channel where they want to see it and in reference to the request of the congressman itself."

 

Representatives of the other networks, for their part, expressed gratitude to GMA for the development.

 

"For TV5, we are very excited to air this event. We thank GMA-7 for allowing us to be part of this bout," said Chot Reyes, head of Sports5.

 

Dino Laureno, head of integrated sports of ABS-CBN, called it "a pleasant welcome turn of events."

 

"Who can say no to this kind of opportunity?" he said.

 

Solar CEO Wilson Tieng, whose firm has partnered with GMA for past Pacquiao fights, said that "to unite Filipino people is one of the main reasons of GMA."

Meanwhile, GMA radio stations, both AM and FM, will broadcast the fight live and real-time.—JST, GMA News