NBL scores first multi-year rights deal in New Zealand

Pay-television broadcaster Sky New Zealand has acquired rights for Australia’s National Basketball League, the country’s top basketball division.

Sky’s deal with the Basketball Australia governing body will run for three years, from 2012-13 to 2014-15.

The deal is the first multi-year contract to be secured by Basketball Australia in New Zealand, with Sky having acquired rights on an annual basis for the past two seasons in order to show games involving the league’s New Zealand-based team, the Breakers.

“This is the first time New Zealand fans will have access to multiple NBL games through subscription television, mobiles, and the internet,” Basketball Australia chief executive Kristina Keneally said.

“This is in line with the clear direction of the future of broadcasting. It affords us and our partners the opportunity to invest in the growth of the NBL in New Zealand and capitalise on that momentum.”