SABC gets broadcast rights to air NBA games

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will now air National Basketball Association (NBA) games on SABC Sport.

The public broadcaster signed a multi-year contract with the NBA to air basketball games on SABC Sport and SABC1.

NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams said: “We are thrilled to once again partner with SABC, beginning with our milestone 75th anniversary season.

SABC Sport will air more than 35 games throughout the season, including a Christmas Day match, the NBA All-Star Saturday night, conference finals and the finals.

The games will be broadcast live or delayed, on SABC1 and the SABC Sports channel on the digital terrestrial television (DTT), TelkomOne and Openview platforms. 

The SABC is also hosting a weekly magazine show called NBA Action, which will cover the league’s news and highlights.  

The first live broadcast will kick off with a pre-game live studio presentation at 10.30pm on Saturday, followed by the inaugural live broadcast of the 75th anniversary season, where the Washington Wizards will host the Boston Celtics. 

Due to the time difference between South Africa and the United States, the live or delayed broadcasts will start between 8pm and midnight on Saturday on SABC1 and SABC Sports.

SABC Sport general manager Gary Rathbone said: “SABC Sport is incredibly thrilled to add one of the world’s most exciting and respected leagues to its live sports offering, as we know that there is a sports audience which loves the game of basketball in Mzansi.

“In bringing this great global sporting spectacle to our viewers, the SABC will also be setting out to inspire and entertain a whole new generation of basketball fans all over the country. Exciting times for Mzansi sports fans, Fo’ Sho.”

Williams said they were looking forward to bringing the NBA excitement to passionate basketball fans in South Africa, as part of its commitment to making the sport more accessible across the continent.

Compiled by Narissa Subramoney