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SBS doubles number of NBL free to air games for new season
By Roy Ward
SBS will double its NBL coverage this season with two games each weekend.
The national broadcaster will continue to screen a Sunday afternoon game at 3pm on its main channel and has added the "capital city" Saturday 5.30pm game to SBS Viceland.
Free-to-air viewers will now have the chance to see Melbourne United play on SBS.Credit: Joe Armao
The NBL will continue to have all games on Fox Sports and on Wednesday the league announced its three games against NBA sides in the US in October would be shown on ESPN and NBA League Pass.
NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said SBS would take NBL games to a wider audience around Australia.
"SBS's decision to double its coverage is a strong endorsement of the league as it marks its 40th season," Loeliger said.
"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."
SBS head of sport Ken Shipp said the deal was good for both the NBL and SBS.
"Basketball is booming and has become the second highest participation sport in Australia," Shipp said.
"It's the kind of sport which 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 home-grown domestic sport in Australia."
The SBS games will also be available via live stream and SBS On Demand.
Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers will play on October 7 in the first SBS game of the season.
Melbourne United split their two-game tour of New Zealand after claiming a 101-62 win over the New Zealand Breakers on Tuesday night.
Josh Boone led United with 17 points and Kyle Adnam added 13 points.
Melbourne lost the first tour game 88-86 to the Breakers on Sunday.