LONDON: Sky Sports, which has recently come under US media giant Comcast’s ownership, has captured the broadcast and digital rights for the NBA for the next four years, starting this season, in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Sky replaces BT Sport for the same.
The partnership will also see live games and highlights of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) starting with the 2019 season that tips off in May. As part of the NBA’s most extensive UK and ROI partnership ever, Sky Sports will broadcast extensive season-long games and programming, including more than 170 live games and a record number of live weekend prime time games starting from 8.30 pm UK time.
Sky Sports will also become the NBA’s new online destination for fans in the UK with extensive video highlights, news, stats, scores and original digital content, enabling fans to stay connected to the game whenever, wherever they are. An additional highlight of the upcoming campaign will see the New York Knicks take on the Washington Wizards at The O2 as part of the NBA London Game 2019 – the NBA’s ninth regular-season game in London, which will also be live on the channel.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland,” NBA EMEA VP of Global Media Distribution, Elsa Memmi said.
“With a record number of weekend primetime games, a season-long schedule of live games and programming, and extensive highlights available online and on mobile, Sky Sports will be the true home of the NBA for fans.”
Sky Sports Mix, available to all Sky TV customers at no extra cost, will show one match every Saturday with full-season coverage across Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports News. NBA fans will also be able to access the action contract-free through NOW TV, with a day pass for Sky Sports costing just £7.99 ($10.50). They can also look forward to marquee year-round events including NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, the NBA Conference Finals, The NBA Finals, the NBA Draft, as well as NBA Hardwood Classic games.
“This is great news for our customers and for NBA fans in the UK and Ireland. We’re partnering with a really exciting sport that has a fascinating history and an even more compelling future. With some of the biggest stars in world sport we know the NBA will bring drama and entertainment to our customers week after week, available across our many different platforms.” Sky Sports MD Barney Francis said.
