Cignal TV clarified its broadcast coverage of the 2026 NBA Finals, saying it does not hold the rights to air the games live after fans raised concerns over delayed telecasts.

The statement came after Cignal aired Game 1 of the Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on a delayed basis, prompting confusion among viewers accustomed to watching the championship series live on television.

According to Cignal, live broadcast rights for this year’s Finals in the Philippines were granted exclusively to Prime Video, the streaming platform owned by Amazon.

“As part of our agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA), Cignal does not hold the rights to air live coverage of the 2026 NBA Finals, as these were granted exclusively to another global platform,” the company said.

Cignal retains rights to air NBA games this season, along with select matchups also available on platforms such as Disney+. However, sources said the current package no longer includes the Finals — a departure from previous years when the pay TV provider aired the league’s championship series live.

Aside from Prime Video, fans in the Philippines can also watch the Finals live through the NBA’s subscription-based streaming service, NBA League Pass.

The shift has drawn criticism from some viewers, particularly those who rely on free-to-air television. Cignal operates free TV channel One Sports and the cable and online channel NBA TV Philippines, both of which have historically carried NBA content.

Despite the change, the company said it remains committed to serving Filipino basketball fans.

“Cignal remains firmly committed to providing the highest quality sports entertainment, and we continue to serve as the premier destination for the country's most passionate basketball community,” it said.