Slam dunk! Sky Sports secures two-year deal to show British Basketball League

Live coverage returns to pay-TV operator after seven year break

Live coverage of the British Basketball League (BBL) will return to Sky Sports next month after the broadcaster secured a two-year deal to show 30 matches per season.

The rights agreement covers both men’s and women’s matches and includes the BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final and BBL Playoffs.

BBL was first shown on Sky Sports in 1995 and was most recently available via the pay-TV broadcaster in 2013.

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”

Buzz16 Productions will produce the coverage for Sky. Expert analysis will be provided by Kieron Achara MBE, who was part of the London 2012 Olympics Basketball squad, and current Newcastle star Drew Lasker.

Additionally, the producers will commit to including Mama Youth graduates on the production team.

BBL chairman Sir Rodney Walker added: “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.”

BBL coverage on Sky Sports starts on 3 December with the Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix followed by Newcastle Eagles v London Lions.