The Illawarra Hawks could suddenly become every American basketball fan's second favourite team after the NBL's television rights deal is announced on Wednesday.
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Television broadcaster ESPN has agreed to show 59 games next season, including all games played after 7.30pm (AEST and AEDT).
After signing LaMelo Ball, the teen prodigy and sometime reality internet star, chasing NBA draft selection next year, it means the Hawks could be thrust into the spotlight in the US market when the season tips off on NRL grand final day.
As part of the new broadcast contract, SBS will play 67 games live on their Viceland channel, with most airing at 5.30pm on Saturday and at 3pm and 5pm on Sunday.
Ball, the brother of Lonzo Ball now at NBA franchise the New Orleans Pelicans, announced his signing with the Hawks in June on ESPN show The Jump.
"We are delighted to partner with ESPN, the home of the NBA in Australia, bringing more global credibility to the NBL as we attract bigger stars to what is now considered one of the best leagues in the world outside of the NBA," NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman said about the announcement.
"We thank Fox Sports for their partnership over the past four seasons and are pleased we will remain on the Foxtel platform on ESPN. We also thank Nine for the role they played in broadcasting games on free to air last season.
"ESPN and SBS will now become the destination of basketball in Australia as basketball continues to surge in popularity.
"Next month's International series will give the NBL a huge springboard into what promises the biggest season ever as Melbourne United and our newest team South East Melbourne Phoenix face off in the first ever Throwdown at Melbourne Arena on October 3."
The Hawks take on Brisbane on the opening day of the season at WIN Entertainment Centre, hours before NRL grand final kick-off.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
