SBS doubles free-to-air coverage of the NBL 2017/18 season

SBS is to increase its national free-to-air coverage of the National Basketball League, making more of the sport accessible to all Australians.

After a partnership with the NBL in the 2016/17 season, SBS doubles its coverage, broadcasting two live games from each round in HD across SBS and SBS Viceland, with live streaming and catch-up on SBS On Demand.

SBS coverage of the NBL begins with the Round One clashes between the Sydney Kings v Adelaide 36ers Saturday October 7 at 5.30pm (AEDT) on SBS Viceland, and New Zealand Breakers v Cairns Taipans on Sunday October 8 at 3pm (AEDT) on SBS.

SBS director of sport Ken Shipp said: “Basketball is booming and has become the second-highest participation sport in Australia. It’s the kind of sport that can bring together diverse communities through a shared common passion.

“We are excited to be back in partnership with the NBL and to be bringing basketball free-to-air to all Australians on SBS. This increased coverage demonstrates SBS’s continued dedication to building the profile of, and love for homegrown domestic sport in Australia.”

NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said: “SBS’s decision to double its coverage is a strong endorsement of the league as it celebrates its 40th season.

“We are particularly excited SBS will broadcast Saturday games at 5.30pm, which we believe will be a hit with audiences along with Sunday games at 3pm and build further exposure of the NBL.”