The British Basketball League (BBL) has announced Sky Sports has extended its deal to broadcast the UK game’s top professional division.
The BBL, in partnership with production company Buzz 16, said the broadcaster will continue to show live games from both the men’s and women’s (WBBL) elite competition throughout the 2022/23 season.
As part of the agreement Sky Sports will air live coverage across its platforms of both the BBL and WBBL’s two domestic cup competitions and both leagues’ post-season play-offs, as well as action every week during the regular season.
The deal marks the third consecutive year that Sky Sports will act as the league’s official broadcast partner.
BBL chief operating officer Andy Webb said: “We are absolutely delighted to continue our partnership with Sky Sports who have been outstanding to work with throughout their time as broadcast partner of the league.
“Their high quality coverage brings Basketball to homes across the country each week and ensures our fans can enjoy the very best of the action the league has to offer.”
Helen Falkus, director of multi sports at Sky, added: “Having the BBL back on Sky Sports for the past two seasons has been great for our viewers, complementing our NBA and WNBA schedules and giving an insight into the growth of the sport in this country. We’re excited to see the story develop in the future on our platforms.”
Mr Webb said the deal came at a “thrilling time” for British basketball, with the league having secured a major investment from US firm 777 Partners last December.
An initial tranche of £7m will go towards ambitious plans to transform the entirety of the sport on these shores, from the infrastructure of the elite level of the game down to community grassroot operations.
Among the proposals announced was the addition of four new franchises to the BBL within the next five years and increased help for its 10 existing clubs to attract funding for improved stadiums and training facilities.
Sky Sports' contract extension was announced after the the 2021/22 play-off finals for both the BBL and WBBL were held in front of record crowds at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday (May 15).
The London Lions lifted the women’s trophy with a 70-45 win over the Sevenoaks Suns, with 10,928 attending the game. Leicester Riders defeated the London Lions’ men’s team 78-75 in the BBL final, with 15,824 people in the stands.
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