17
Sep
Broadcast
ESPN expands FIBA deal in Australia
A FIBA-branded Molten basketball rests on the court during the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 Group A game between Serbia v Argentina at Lausanne Arena on June 29, 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Photo by Milad Payami/FIBA via Getty Images.
FIBA agrees on an extended and expanded ESPN deal for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.
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The broadcast deal between FIBA and ESPN has been renewed for a further four years, with ESPN expanding its market coverage and reach by becoming the exclusive broadcast partner in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, building on its existing presence in Australia.
The move will see ESPN continuing to play a prominent role in driving the growth of basketball across the region.
This includes live coverage of every game from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
Fans will now be able to stream FIBA games live on Disney+ via the ESPN tile, making it easier than ever before to access FIBA action.
Games will also continue to be distributed via ESPN services and channels on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and Fetch TV in Australia, with FIBA rights complementing other top-tier basketball properties such as domestic NBL competition, as well as NBA and WNBA.
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, commented: "It's great to not only be continuing our existing partnership with a renowned global broadcaster like ESPN, but to have also secured market expansion.
"This is excellent news for fans in the region who will benefit from increased opportunities to consume the kind of quality basketball content that ESPN delivers via a multitude of platforms.
Meanwhile, Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand and Head of ESPN Asia-Pacific, said: "We're excited to continue our programming relationship with FIBA. This deal reinforces ESPN as 'Home for Hoops' and adds to our strong lineup of NBA, WNBA, NBL, WNBL and NCAA programming for Australian and New Zealand audiences.
"There's some great international basketball ahead with the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 secured, so hoops fans can follow all the action on our ESPN network, including ESPN on Disney+, as the Australian Opals and Australian Boomers take on the world."
