BT Sport signs exclusive NBA deal

UK telco and pay TV operator BT has signed a deal with the NBA to air exclusive live TV coverage of top basketball games and programmes on BT Sports in the UK and Ireland.

The deal begins on December 1, with BT Sports’ TV coverage to include weekly games that will air on Sundays in a primetime slot. Viewers will also be able to access selected games that will be streamed live on the BT Sport website and BT Sport App.

The multi-platform agreement also includes highlights, magazine shows and behind-the-scenes programming.

BT said that it will show up to 200 games throughout the season on BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2 and ESPN. This will include up to seven live games per week during the regular season and every game of the Conference Finals, culminating in the NBA Finals in June.

“This is a very exciting step for the NBA and basketball fans in the UK and Ireland. With BT Sports’ first rate presentation and formidable portfolio of premium sports content, fans can now look forward to more NBA action than ever before in the UK and Ireland, including selected free streamed games,” said Dan Markham, NBA vice president, media distribution and emerging markets.