Sky Sports nets NBA rights
October 15, 2018
By Nik Roseveare
Sky Sports will become the home of the NBA in the UK after announcing a new four-year broadcast and multi-platform partnership.
Under the partnership, Sky Sports become the NBA’s exclusive broadcast partner and official website operator in the UK and Ireland. The new season begins in the early hours of Octobe 17th, with Sky Sports’s coverage featuring a double header pitting Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics followed by Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors.
Sky Sports will broadcast more than 170 live games and a record number of live weekend primetime games starting from 8.30pm UK time. Sky Sports Mix, the FTA channel, will show one match every Saturday,
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.
BT Sport has held the broadcast rights since 2013, but this year chose not to renew the deal.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland,” said NBA EMEA vice president, Global Media Distribution, Elsa Memmi. “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.”
“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,” added Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director.