Telstra and NBL expand partnership into digital rights

Telstra and NBL expand partnership into digital rights

15 August 2016: Telstra and the National Basketball League today announced an expansion of their current partnership which sees Telstra continue as the NBL’s Official Technology Partner, providing more ways for Australians to access and enjoy the league.

Building on Telstra’s successful portfolio of sporting partnerships, the expansion will enable basketball fans to watch live NBL through the popular Telstra TV streaming device and will allow every Telstra mobile customer to enjoy every minute of NBL coverage live for the 2017 season starting in October.

NBL General Manager Jeremy Loeliger said the partnership would take a step up from 2015/16 with the League focusing on its digital offering to fans.

“We are delighted to have Telstra further their commitment to the NBL and basketball fans across the country. To deliver the best digital content to our fans, we need to partner with the best in the business, and we are very confident we have done just that. Together with Telstra we are revolutionizing how the Australian public are able consume the sport of basketball.”

NBL Executive Director Larry Kestelman said the partnership was a key component of the League’s drive to become the most digitally watched sport in Australia.

“One of our main priorities is to create Australia’s most innovative, technology driven sports entertainment product where fans can access content 24/7, live and on-demand, where ever they are in Australia and, where possible, internationally. We look forward to making more digital media and broadcast announcements in the coming weeks".

Michele Garra, Executive Director Telstra Media, said that Telstra was proud to support the NBL in its ambition to take the game to more fans and continue to provide Telstra customers with more sporting content as part of Telstra’s mobile value.

“We’re passionate about creating more ways for all Australians to access their most-loved sport live on mobile and at home on Telstra TV. Our popular AFL and NRL apps have revolutionised the way that football fans watch the game and we believe that the expansion of our NBL partnership will deliver the same level of access to basketball fans across the country”.