He added that after reviewing each profile, his office will then make a recommendation which among the six will advance to a further screening by the PBA Board of Governors which will, afterwards, set the "rules of the game." "The Board will set the guidelines and parameters then call on each to make their respective presentations. After that, only then will we accept offers for the final decision." In refusing to call the whole thing a "bidding war," Bernardino pointed out that the main reason for opening the field for the PBA TV rights is "to determine the real value of the league."

"It does not necessary mean though that the highest offer in terms of monetary considerations will be the outright winner." He said they are giving more weight on the track record, capability, reach of coverage and expertise -- all of which are necessary ingredients for the PBA to ensure the highest level of exposure in the future. A PBA insider told the Bulletin that besides Vintage, IMG and Silverstar appear to be the most serious in acquiring the TV rights. "These two have signified their intentions as early as last year. Silverstar, in fact, has even submitted a prospective lineup of commentators along with its letter of intent,'' said the source.-EDGARD HILARIO