170k Tune in to BBL & WBBL Play-Off Finals Via BBC

Mansoor Ahmed/Ahmedphotos

The BBL has announced that 170,000 viewers tuned in live on the BBC red button or via BBC Sport online for the Molten BBL Play-Off Finals on Sunday.

While 13,000 fans flocked to London to watch the showpiece Molten BBL and WBBL Play-Off Finals, many thousands more tuned in to watch Sheffield Sharks and Team Northumbria ride to the precious silverware on offer in a pair of match-ups against Leicester Riders and Nottingham Wildcats respectively.

“We are all very encouraged at these viewing figures, which once again show the potential for the sport and the demand that is out there,” stated BBL Commercial Director, Bob Hope.

“Considering it was one of the hottest days of the year and we are in a fiercely competitive environment when it comes to other sport, getting 170,000 viewers is a real positive.

“Having basketball shown on these platforms gives the sport super accessibility both for existing supporters and as a lever to engage with new fans out there.”

He added, “The Molten Finals at The O2 was a great event and we are delighted that more than the 13,000 who were there in the flesh, managed to see the action and just what a fantastic sport basketball is.”

Meanwhile, BBL commentator Dan Routledge has examined the numbers with the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB) and believes the figures give the BBL the highest rated BBC Red Button show since Christmas:

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