Pan-Asian broadcaster ESPN Star Sports has acquired rights for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Basketball League pan-regional competition.
The length of the deal was not disclosed, but it will run until at least the end of the 2013 season, which starts in January.
Under the agreement, the broadcaster will establish a dedicated ‘ABL Friday Basketball’ programming slot across its platforms. Live coverage of games on Friday nights will be available on the broadcaster’s mobile and internet platforms as well as on television.
The broadcaster will also show the ‘ABL Crossover’ weekly magazine programme and will include updates from the league in its news programmes.
The broadcaster will also assist the league in producing the coverage.
“We see primetime Friday night basketball as a powerful tool to further popularise the ABL,” ESPN Star Sports managing director Peter Hutton said. “We’re very impressed with the league’s willingness to help us jointly grow the sport.”