10 has continued its expansion into sport, announcing a three year partnership with the Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League.
The deal will see two games broadcast live each Sunday afternoon in a marquee timeslot during the NBL season, showcasing four hours of basketball action on 10 Peach and streamed live in HD on 10 Play, from 1pm.
The partnership will see the NBL return to Network 10 for the first time since the 2014/2015 season.
10ViacomCBS announced a $300 million contract with Football Australia this year.
Speaking to B&T earlier this month, the network’s chief sales director Rod Prosser played coy about future expansions into sport.
“What we’ve always said, and we’ll continue to say [is] that we have always looked at sporting rights as they’ve come available, and I don’t think that will ever change,” he said.
It seems a prime opportunity has now presented itself, making 10 the home of both football and basketball.
Adam Cush, director of sport production, Network 10, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back the NBL to Network 10.”
“We are looking forward to working closely with the NBL to take the sport to all Australians and broadcasting a fantastic season of the league, which also boasts several of the Australian Boomers Olympic bronze medallists.”
Hungry Jack’s NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Network 10 back into the NBL family.”
“Network 10 played a major role in the NBL’s booming popularity in the 1990s and we are thrilled to have them back on board to help take our league to the next level.”
“This season is shaping up as one of the best yet, notwithstanding the challenges ahead. It will be great to welcome back the numerous Australian Boomers Olympic bronze medallists returning to the NBL, while we also Media Release Network 10 A ViacomCBS Company have new marquee signings and the inclusion of the Tasmania JackJumpers,” Kestelman said.
“We are excited to have Network 10 as part of the NBL family for the next three seasons which gives our fans a consistent free-to-air home of the NBL.”
