British Basketball League returns to Sky Sports
British Basketball League returns to Sky Sports
Sky Sports to show the BBL in a two-year agreement
- Sky Sports will show 30 live matches a season
- Sky Sports will air both the men’s and women’s finals including BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final, BBL Playoffs.
- Kieron Achara MBE and Drew Lasker to be part of the Sky Sports broadcasting team
- Newcastle Eagles v London Lions to headline the opening night’s action on December 3 in a double header also featuring B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix live from Eagles Community Arena. Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event, 4.30pm
London, 13 December. Sky Sports has announced that coverage of the British Basketball League will return to Sky’s screens this season. The two-year agreement will see Sky Sports air 30 live BBL matches a season.
As part of the agreement Sky Sports will air both the men’s and women’s finals including BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final, BBL Playoffs.
Sky Sports will broadcast a double header live from the Eagles Community Arena on December 3 to kick-start the coverage. Newcastle Eagles, who are the BBL’s most successful side with 25 major titles to their name, host a London Lions side who have been very busy adding to their line up in the close season in an eagerly anticipated opening night encounter. B. Braun Sheffield Sharks will tip-off against Cheshire Phoenix in the season opener earlier in the evening. Both matches will be live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30pm
It promises to be a highly exciting time for British Basketball as the road to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham draws ever closer. Sky Sports coverage will include expert analysis from Kieron Achara MBE, who was part of the London 2012 Olympics Basketball squad, and current Newcastle star 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.
“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”
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.”
Kieron Achara MBE said: “Although I may have stopped playing, I’m still part of the BBL family so it’s great to see this partnership with Sky Sports giving BBL the attention it deserves. I’m looking forward to working with Sky Sports to share the sport I love and grow our community.”
Buzz16 Productions will produce BBL coverage for Sky Sports. Additionally, they will commit to including Mama Youth graduates on the production team for BBL coverage. https://www.mamayouth.org.uk/
Sky Sports is the home of basketball in the UK and Ireland with the BBL complemented by exclusively live coverage of the NBA and WNBA on the channel. Clips, highlights and best-of content can be found on skysports.com, YouTube and Sky Sports’ social media platforms.
Sky Sports – BBL Coverage Details
December 3 – Coverage underway at 4.30 on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event
B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Cheshire Phoenix (Tip-off 5.00)
Newcastle Eagles v London Lions (Tip-off 7.30)
For more information
Sky Sports PR
020 7032 1445
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About British Basketball League
The British Basketball League (BBL) has been at the pinnacle of British hoops since its inception in 1987, and represents the highest level of the professional game in the UK.
The League has a colourful history that spans over 30 years including great teams, dynasties, memorable moments, and unforgettable players and coaches.
There are currently 11 franchises in the League. All clubs are equal shareholders in the League with a separate independent Management Board overseeing implementation of the Business Plan and day to day running of the League.
The current franchises are:
- Bristol Flyers
- Cheshire Phoenix
- Glasgow Rocks
- Leicester Riders
- London Lions
- Manchester Giants
- Newcastle Eagles
- Plymouth Raiders
- B. Braun Sheffield Sharks
- Surrey Scorchers
- Worcester Wolves
BBL clubs are increasingly built on the foundations of strong community programmes. Whilst providing positive role models for young people, clubs are also actively involved in developing the next generation of British basketball players and promoting the sport, and associated healthy lifestyles, to young people in their localities.
