UK Basketball bounces back to Sky Sports in BBL deal

Sky Sports has announced a deal with the British Basketball League (BBL), bringing coverage of domestic basketball back to the broadcaster.

The two-year deal will see Sky Sports broadcast 30 live BBL matches a season, along with both the men’s and women’s finals including BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final, BBL Playoffs.

Coverage will begin on December 3, with the double-header of Newcastle Eagles vs London Lions and Sheffield Sharks vs Cheshire Phoenix.

Sky said that coverage will feature analysis from London 2012 Olympics Basketball squad member Kieron Achara and current Newcastle player Drew Lasker.

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.
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 Buzz16 to showcase the best of British basketball over the next two years.”