SuperSport adds BNL to growing basketball portfolio

SuperSport has agreed a five-year broadcast deal with the Basketball National League (BNL), the new professional basketball league in South Africa.

The pay-TV network has taken the exclusive live television rights to the league, which begins on 27th September, throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Coverage will mainly be carried on the SuperSport Select channel, and will also be available across mobile and online platforms.

The deal follows SuperSport’s recent acquisition of broadcast rights to the NBA in the region.

Albert Mokoena, the chairmain of the BNL, said it was an “exciting time for basketball” in South Africa, adding: “With SuperSport as our partners and our national league having the endorsement of the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, Sascoc and Basketball SA, our players can look forward to a league where the emphasis will be on a high-quality game combined with entertainment that appeals to the youth.”

SuperSport head of acquisitions and legal Brandon Foot said: “There is no question that the sport has a captive market. Basketballers now have an avenue for their skills and we couldn’t be happier to be part of this renewal of the local game. We look forward to a strong association.”

The inaugural NBL will feature 11 teams, divided into northern and southern conferences. Egoli Magic, North West Goodfellas, Soweto Panthers, Mbombela Wildcats, Polokwane Trailblazers and the Tshwane Suns will play in the Northern Conference, with Cape Mountaineers, Kimberley Diamonds, PE Wind Breakers, Free State Golden Warriors and KZN Marlins competing in the south.