Sheffield Sharks to tip-off new BBL season live on Sky Sports

Sheffield Sharks will raise the curtain on Sky Sports’ new coverage of the British Basketball League next month.
By Paul Goodwin
Published 13th Nov 2020, 12:14 BST
Sheffield Sharks in action against London Lions last year. Photo: Jack Thomas/Getty ImagesSheffield Sharks in action against London Lions last year. Photo: Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Sheffield Sharks in action against London Lions last year. Photo: Jack Thomas/Getty Images

Details of a two-year agreement which will see Sky Sports show 30 live BBL matches a season were announced this morning.

A double-header live from Newcastle Eagles’ Community Arena – starting with Sharks’ opening league game against Cheshire Phoenix and followed by the hosts taking on London Lions – will kick-start the coverage on Thursday, December 3.

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Both matches will be live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30pm.

Sky Sports will also air the BBL Trophy final, BBL Cup final, BBL play-offs and live coverage of the women’s BBL play-off final as part of the new agreement.

BBL chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “It is fantastic to be teaming up again with Sky Sports to bring the excitement and action of the BBL to basketball fans at home. We are going to see some excellent games this season as there are incredible British and international players at all 11 clubs. We look forward to working with Sky Sports and the producers Buzz16 to showcase the best of British basketball over the next two years.”

Sky Sports managing director Rob Webster said: “We are delighted to welcome the BBL back to Sky Sports. We look forward to showcasing the best of basketball from across the country in what promises to be a busy but exciting period with the 2022 Commonwealth Games on the horizon. We hope an event of that magnitude on UK shores will enable what is a big participation sport to continue its growth. We at Sky Sports are thrilled to be able to support the sport.

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"With continued coverage of the NBA and WNBA, the addition of the BBL makes Sky Sports the home of basketball. We can’t wait for the action to get underway on December 3 from Eagles Community Arena.”

Sharks started the new season with a 70-61 BBL Cup victory at home to 2019 champions London Lions last Friday and they are in the capital today for the return fixture.

A hectic schedule sees Sharks travel to Newcastle on Tuesday and welcome Leicester to Ponds Forge next Friday.

The return trip to Leicester follows two days later before Sharks complete their BBL Cup pool phase against Newcastle at home on Friday, November 29.

Related topics:Sky SportsSheffield Sharks