BASKETBALL
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Maybe - just maybe - Australia's premier basketball competition will regain some much-needed respect and credibility in the eyes of the nation's sporting public.
The National Basketball League's new five-year broadcasting deal with Fox Sports is almost too good to be true for a competition that, only a few months ago, didn't even seem assured of going ahead in 2015-16.
Fox Sports will televise every game live over the course of the 19-game regular season, an arrangement not unlike the one it has with the increasingly popular A-League.
The new TV deal is an immeasurable boost for the NBL and will bring new fans to the sport.
"We are dedicated to making the NBL a best in breed, professional and commercial product that delivers the best entertainment on offer to the public over the summer, and today's announcement is a huge step in that direction," NBL executive director Larry Kestelman said.
"Fans love watching sport live, and being able to deliver basketball, produced to the high standards for which Fox Sports are renowned, live to our fans is of fundamental importance to being a premier summer sport in Australia."
The NBL has been screened on Network Ten for the past few seasons after Fox Sports pulled the pin on its 10-year association.
The pay television giant is happy to be back on board.
"Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is booming in Australia due to the recent success of our home-grown NBA stars," Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany said.
"With more Aussie kids playing the sport than ever before and interest soaring, basketball is entering an exciting new era in Australia and we are thrilled to be partnering with the NBL at such a watershed moment.
"Today's announcement that Fox Sports will provide live coverage of every match on national television, in a first for the NBL, is a huge win for fans and will ensure the next generation of Australian stars can watch the best local players in action, every week."
Games will be telecast live from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the season.
Kestelman said the NBL has also made provision for a weekly live game to be simulcast on a free-to-air network and the NBL is in high-level discussions with the commercial networks.
Broadcast arrangements with New Zealand are close to being finalised.
The first NBL game is scheduled for October 7 between Adelaide and New Zealand Breakers.