British Basketball League coverage is returning to Sky Sports this season in a two-year deal that will see 30 live games aired each season.
Sky Sports will also air the BBL Trophy Final, BBL Cup Final, BBL Play-Offs and live coverage of the WBBL Play-Off final.
Coverage tips-off with a double header live from the Eagles Community Arena on Thursday 3 December as our Eagles host London Lions and Sheffield Sharks face Cheshire Phoenix.
It’s an eagerly anticipated opening night for the BBL Championship and both matches will be live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event from 4:30pm.
Sky Sports coverage will include expert analysis from our Eagles very own Drew Lasker, who has recently taken to presenting as co-host of the new league’s podcast called ‘The BBL Show’.
“I am excited to be part of the sky broadcasting team this season”, said Lasker.
“Not only is this an amazing opportunity for myself but even more for the Basketball community and league.
“Being in the British basketball league for 16 years, I’ve always felt we were a TV deal away from taking our product to new heights. I’m thankful that Sky believes in us.”
It promises to be a highly exciting time for British Basketball as the road to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where 3×3 basketball will be a featured sport, draws ever closer.
“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”, said BBL Chairman Sir Rodney Walker.
“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 the producers Buzz16 to showcase the best of British basketball over the next two years.”
Retired British Basketball star Kieron Achara MBE, who was part of the London 2012 Olympics GB Basketball squad, joins Drew Lasker to anchor the coverage.
“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”, Achara added.
“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 apprentices on the production team for the coverage.
“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”, said Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster.
“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 and WBBL makes Sky Sports the home of basketball. We can’t wait for the action to get underway on December 3 from Eagles Community Arena.”
