BBL LANDS 2-YEAR SKY DEAL - Hoopsfix.com

BBL LANDS 2-YEAR SKY DEAL

The BBL have agreed a two-year deal with Sky Sports.

Live coverage will start on December 3 and will see Sky Sports air 30 live British Basketball League matches a season as well as some WBBL.

As part of the agreement, Sky Sports will also air the BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final, BBL Playoffs and live coverage of the Women’s BBL Playoff final.

Sky Sports will broadcast a double header live from the Eagles Community Arena on December 3 to kick-start the coverage. Newcastle Eagles, who are the BBL’s most successful side with 25 major titles to their name, host a London Lions side who have been very busy adding to their line up in the close season in an eagerly anticipated opening night encounter in the BBL Championship.

Sheffield Sharks will tip-off against Cheshire Phoenix in the league season opener earlier in the evening. Both matches will be live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30pm.

Sky Sports coverage will include analysis from former Great Britain captain Kieron Achara and current Newcastle Eagles star Drew Lasker and be presented by well-known NFL and baseball face, Nat Coombs.

BBL Chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “It is fantastic to be teaming up again with Sky Sports to bring the excitement and action of the BBL to basketball fans at home. We are going to see some excellent games this season as there are incredible British and international players at all 11 clubs. We look forward to working with Sky Sports and the producers Buzz16 to showcase the best of British basketball over the next two years.”

MVP understands that only a limited number of venues will be used for game broadcasts – Copper Box, Morningside Arena, Eagles Arena, Pavilions and Emirates Arena.

Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster said: “We are delighted to welcome the BBL back to Sky Sports. We look forward to showcasing the best of basketball from across the country in what promises to be a busy but exciting period with the 2022 Commonwealth Games on the horizon. We hope an event of that magnitude on UK shores will enable what is a big participation sport to continue its growth. We at Sky Sports are thrilled to be able to support the sport.

“With continued coverage of the NBA and WNBA, the addition of the BBL makes Sky Sports the home of basketball. We can’t wait for the action to get underway on December 3 from Eagles Community Arena”