Italian basketball enthusiasts, prepare for an unprecedented deluge of professional hoops! Sky Sport has officially announced a sweeping new multi-year agreement, securing exclusive rights to broadcast the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women`s National Basketball Association (WNBA) across Italy. Beginning this October, fans will gain access to an expanded menu of live games, dedicated channels, and comprehensive coverage, cementing Sky`s position as the premier destination for basketball in the region.
This isn`t just another broadcast deal; it`s a statement. For years, the global appeal of American basketball has captivated audiences far beyond North America`s shores. Now, Italian viewers, who arguably appreciate the beautiful game with a certain sapore of their own, are set to benefit immensely from this enhanced partnership.
Players in action during an NBA game, a scene soon to be commonplace for Italian viewers.
What`s In the Playbook?
The cornerstone of this new agreement is the launch of a dedicated channel, Sky Sport Basket (channel 205), set to go live on October 21st, following a sneak peek with pre-season clashes from October 2nd. This channel will be the new home for a veritable feast of basketball, available both on Sky and via streaming on Now.
The offering is robust and meticulously curated for the avid fan:
- NBA Regular Season: A substantial selection of regular season games, kicking off with opening day fixtures.
- Marquee Events: Full coverage of the legendary NBA Christmas Day games and the impactful MLK Day matchups.
- All-Star Weekend: The glitz, glamour, and gravity-defying dunks of the NBA All-Star Game.
- Playoffs: A generous portion of playoff games each season, building towards the ultimate prize.
- Conference Finals: One series broadcast live each season, with the other available on delay, ensuring comprehensive viewing.
- NBA Finals: Exclusive live coverage in 2027, complemented by delayed broadcasts in 2026 and 2028. A tantalizing staggered release, perhaps to build suspense, or simply to ensure you`re always checking your schedule.
Beyond the Men`s Game: A Slam Dunk for WNBA
Crucially, the new deal extends its embrace to the dynamic world of women`s basketball. Sky Sport will deliver extensive coverage of the upcoming WNBA regular season, alongside playoff series, semifinals, and the Finals. This inclusion is a significant nod to the growing prominence and fan base of the WNBA, showcasing the league`s electrifying talent and competitive spirit to a broader Italian audience. It’s a win for diversity in sports broadcasting and a testament to the undeniable quality of play.
More Than Just Games: The Full Court Press
Sky Sport understands that modern sports consumption isn`t just about watching the game; it`s about the narrative, the analysis, and the continuous conversation. This agreement guarantees an “all-access” pass to the NBA and WNBA universe:
- Expert Commentary: A “dream team” of Sky Sport`s renowned talents and journalists will provide insightful commentary and analysis.
- Dedicated Programming: Shows like “Basket Room NBA” will delve deep into strategy, stories, and statistics.
- Non-Stop Updates: Daily news, highlights, and continuous updates from Sky Sport 24, skysport.it (including the premium “Insider” section), and official social media accounts. For those who thought their evenings were already booked, Sky Sport now offers compelling counter-programming.
This multi-year pact underscores Sky Sport`s commitment to delivering top-tier international sports content to Italy. By offering such comprehensive coverage of both the NBA and WNBA, coupled with rich supplementary programming, Sky is not merely broadcasting games; it`s cultivating a vibrant basketball culture, ensuring Italian fans won`t miss a single crossover, fadeaway, or game-winning buzzer-beater. Get ready to watch the giants of the court, both men and women, dominate your screens.
