ABC and Foxtel to air all 60 games of WNBL season
Basketball Australia has inked a new deal with Foxtel and the ABC which will provide the Women’s’ National Basketball League (WNBL) with more visibility than ever before.
As part of the agreement, all 60 games will air live across Australia – four per week on Foxtel and Kayo and weekend games simulcast on ABC and Iview.
Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
The season, sponsored by Chemist Warehouse, will play exclusively from a North Queensland hub from November 11 to December 20. Basketball Australia CEO, Jerril Rechter AM, said it was an important deal for women’s sport.
“This broadcast agreement with Fox Sports, Kayo and the ABC will provide the Chemist Warehouse WNBL with more exposure than ever before,” said Rechter.
“Having all 60 games of the 2020 season shown live across Australia will provide a platform to showcase one of world’s leading basketball leagues featuring Australia’s best established and emerging athletes. This high-profile visibility across Australia will help build upon the popularity and growth of women’s basketball and inspire a whole new generation.
“Basketball Australia would like to thank Foxtel and the ABC for their committed support of the Chemist Warehouse WNBL and we look forward to delivering a highly successful season both on and off the court,” concluded Rechter.
Basketball Australia head of women in basketball, Lauren Jackson AO, said this broadcast agreement provides a platform for Australians to become fans of the country’s leading basketballers.
“The Australian Opals and our Under 19 women’s team are both ranked world number two and this broadcast arrangement will enable all Australians to witness the skill, strength and athleticism of our players,” said Jackson.
“The 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season will double as important preparation for the Australian Opals ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIBA Basketball World Cup which will be hosted by Sydney.
“With all the opportunities that this season presents us, being able to broadcast all our games live across the nation was at the top of the list. This is a wonderful outcome for Women’s Basketball in Australia, and we are thankful for the support of both Foxtel and the ABC.”
Judith Whelan, director of ABC regional and local, said the ABC was excited to have the sport back on its channels.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back the WNBL to the ABC – the natural home of women’s sport in Australia. We are also delighted that one of this country’s most experienced and passionate basketball commentators, the ABC’s Corbin Middlemas, will be part of this season’s on-air WNBL commentary team,” said Whelan.
“The ABC is looking forward to bringing Australian fans two games per week of one of the best women’s basketball competitions in the world.”
Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley, said: “Women’s basketball is a source of inspiration and excitement for Australians of every age group. We are stoked to be the home of the WNBL in 2020 bringing every game of the season live to a record number of sports fans watching on Foxtel and Kayo.”
The 2020 Chemist Warehouse WNBL season is supported by the Queensland Government along with Cairns Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council and the City of Townsville.
Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the deal announced today was a great win for North Queensland.
“Basketball is growing in popularity right throughout Australia. Having the WNBL season broadcast throughout the country on live television will deliver a shot-in-the-arm for our tourism industry at a time we need it most.
“You can’t beat the beauty of north Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef in Spring.
“This deal will ensure that images of Queensland’s most idyllic locations will be pumped into the living rooms of thousands of sports fans throughout the country.
“Generating more exposure for Queensland is an important part of our economic recovery plan – ensuring that more tourists return to Queensland as soon as possible.”
SBS was the free to air (FTA) broadcast partner for the WNBL in 2018, while Fox Sports was the exclusive rights holder in 2019.
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Jerril Rechter
Judith Whelan
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Steve Crawley
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