NBA and Sport 24: A Game-Changing Partnership for Global Fans
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been a beacon of excitement and competition in the world of sports. With its high-flying dunks, nail-biting finishes, and star-studded rosters, the league has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Now, thanks to a renewed partnership with Sport 24, the first and only 24/7 live sports channel dedicated to the airline and cruise line industries, fans can enjoy even more NBA action while traveling. This multiyear extension promises to bring over 125 live NBA games each season to passengers on select carriers and cruise lines, enhancing the travel experience for sports enthusiasts.
A Robust Schedule of Live Games
As part of this exciting renewal, Sport 24 will air five live NBA games each week throughout the regular season. This includes not only the thrilling regular-season matchups but also marquee events that fans eagerly anticipate. Among these are the Emirates NBA Cup—previously known as the NBA In-Season Tournament—NBA All-Star Weekend, the NBA Play-In Tournament, the NBA Playoffs, and the Finals. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans will never miss a moment of the action, whether they are soaring through the skies or cruising the seas.
Kicking Off the 2024-25 Season
The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, with the 2024-25 regular season set to tip off on Tuesday, October 22. Fans can look forward to a thrilling opening night featuring the New York Knicks visiting the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET. These matchups are just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating season filled with unforgettable moments.
Commitment to Global Accessibility
Richard Wise, Senior Vice President of Content and Channels for IMG’s media business, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The NBA is one of the most entertaining and competitive sports leagues in the world.” He emphasized the commitment to bringing regular live NBA action to passengers, highlighting the innovative Emirates NBA Cup format. This collaboration is not just about broadcasting games; it’s about enhancing the travel experience for sports fans around the globe.
Adam Cox, Senior Director of Global Media Distribution for NBA Europe and the Middle East, echoed this sentiment. He noted, “We are excited to continue our collaboration with IMG and Sport 24 as part of our commitment to making NBA games and programming accessible to fans wherever they are.” This dedication to accessibility ensures that fans can stay connected to their favorite teams and players, no matter where their travels take them.
Extensive Reach Across Airlines and Cruise Lines
Sport 24 and its sister channel, Sport 24 Extra, boast an impressive reach, available on more than 665 aircraft across 11 airlines, including Emirates, the NBA’s global airline partner. Additionally, the channels are accessible on over 125 cruise ships across more than 15 global cruise lines. This extensive distribution network means that fans can catch live NBA action in a variety of settings, whether they are flying to a business meeting or enjoying a vacation at sea.
A Legacy of Sports Broadcasting
Launched in 2012, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra have established themselves as leaders in live sports broadcasting for the airline and cruise industries. Produced from IMG’s production headquarters at Stockley Park in the UK, the channels provide live coverage of major sporting events across various sports, including American football (in-flight only), football, golf, hockey, and tennis. The collaboration between the NBA and Sport 24 began in 2015, and this extension signifies a continued commitment to delivering top-tier sports content to fans around the world.
Conclusion
The renewed partnership between the NBA and Sport 24 is a significant development for sports fans who travel frequently. With a robust schedule of live games and a commitment to accessibility, this collaboration ensures that the excitement of the NBA is never out of reach. Whether you’re in the air or at sea, you can now enjoy the thrill of live basketball action, making every journey a little more exciting.