New Zealand NBL goes international
New Zealand’s hybrid postlockdown National Basketball League is going global, and is ready to take its loyal players along for the ride.
The league yesterday announced an international payper-view platform that they hoped would bring in some muchneeded revenue for one of the only professional (or semiprofessional) basketball competitions operating amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The new seven-team, made-forTV league is set to tip off on
June 23 and run, in a condensed format, for six weeks, culminating in an extended finals series.
All games —
56 in total — will be staged at a single venue in Auckland and broadcast on Sky Sport, with some free-to-air coverage as well.
Each team will play up to three times a week, with two games a day over five nights a week. It also features a groundbreaking draft, designed to disperse talent as evenly as possible around the seven participating clubs who will have the ability to protect players who have clear links to them.
Already more than 250 New Zealand players had registered for the draft within 24 hours of its opening, including an array of Tall Blacks and returning collegiate stars.
League GM Justin Nelson described the early buy-in as ‘‘beyond my wildest dreams’’
Now he has announced the launch of an online viewing platform (www.LeaguePass.co.nz) which will allow hoops fans all round the world to tune into the NBL, it is hoped the Kiwi league could reach an unprecedented audience — and bring in some much-needed cash to boot.
The NBL is also working hard on signing an insurer to cover player income that could be placed at risk by participating in the league,
‘‘Everyone has had to adapt to make this work and that willingness to work together is paying off,’’ added Nelson.
International hoops fans will be able to purchase an early bird package covering all 56 games of the NBL for $14.99, though it will be geo-blocked in New Zealand.
The league is being supported by Auckland’s major events funder Ateed (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Developments) with boss Richard Clarke enthusiastic about the innovation and reach of the high-concept competition.
‘‘New Zealand has such a positive brand globally right now, and we look forward to building on this by showcasing Auckland as an attractive destination and an exciting event and sporting hub.
‘‘We hope that, alongside basketball fans, other sporting codes internationally will also be watching with interest,’’ Clarke said.