The NBA and South African sports network SuperSport say they have agreed to a "multiyear" deal to show live games in 47 territories in sub-Saharan Africa starting this season.
This is another venture by the NBA, which in recent years has really stepped up its game in developing its brand outside of the U.S.
The NBA has established league offices overseas, developed training facilities outside of the country and continues to support various goodwill initiatives globally.
The fruits of the NBA’s effort were obvious than during the 2013 NBA All-Star weekend in Houston, where over 312 international media members from 46 countries were present.
According to the Associated Press, SuperSport's satellite television channels are available across much of the continent and the agreement also covers digital content through the SuperSport website. The enterprises involved have not divulged financial aspects of the deal yet.
The ever-expanding NBA is trying to satisfy its increased demand and interest in pro basketball in Africa. Johannesburg is currently playing host to the 11th edition of Basketball without Borders (BWB) Africa, a global basketball development and social responsibility program run in partnership with the NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
With players such as Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (Sudan), and former NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo also being from the continent, plus the lure of big riches in the U.S., more African prospects are emerging. Thirty African players have played in the NBA, with six featured on NBA rosters during the 2012-13 season. The NBA opened an office in South Africa in 2010 with a goal of challenge soccer as the continent's No. 1 sport.
