BBL on Sky Sports

[LTfan]

In case you’re not aware, we’re at the end of a 2 year deal between the BBL and Sky, so naturally there’s some discussion around whether we’ll see the BBL on Sky again next season.

I have some experience working in television and some contacts in the industry, and from what I’ve heard/seen the Sky viewing figures have been slightly lower than were hoped for (by Sky at least).

However I believe the BBL coverage is relatively low cost for them – essentially they’re just paying enough for the BBL to cover the Buzz 16 productions costs. The BBL isn’t really benefiting financially from the Sky deal, they’re benefiting from the additional exposure.

This is just an educated guess at the moment, if I hear anything official I’ll post it on here, but I think the BBL will be back on Sky next season. Even if Sky want to negotiate paying less for it, I know 777 Partners see real value in the Sky coverage so would likely even be happy to cover some of the Buzz 16 productions costs themselves for the additional exposure to continue.

What are your thoughts and opinions?

[ScottishBasketballFan]

I just hope that Viaplay doesn't snap it up, then again I don't know what Basketball is like in the Nordic countries apart from when our teams play theirs.

[dexter]

I don't have any inside knowledge but I agree with LTfan's points. Viewing numbers don't seem great but it is filling up time on their free channel at a low cost. There must be some value to Sky Sports in supporting a developing domestic community-based league. I think Sky Sports believes British basketball can be bigger. It just takes time. They need to see improvements and in my opinion there have been improvements. If, as rumour has it, we will have two BBL teams competing in Europe next season, that is evidence of development, even if Sky Sports won't be broadcasting those games.

I also think the final at the weekend will play into their decision. If there is a big turnout, high viewing numbers and a great display by the teams, I think they will want to extend the partnership. The good news is we have two fantastic teams in the final.

Just looking at viewing numbers on YouTube it seems that netball does better for regular season games, but BBL does well in finals. I don't know why that is so but I think it's something to bear in mind when thinking about the Commercial value of the league.

[LTfan]

May 10, 2022 11:04:52 GMT ScottishBasketballFan said:

I just hope that Viaplay doesn't snap it up, then again I don't know what Basketball is like in the Nordic countries apart from when our teams play theirs.

Although they hold Eurolegue rights in some territories I suspect they have very little interest in British basketball, and the BBL will have even less interest in doing a deal with a streaming service with such a niche/small (at least initially) audience base. Not going to happen.

[LTfan]

May 10, 2022 11:28:23 GMT dexter said:

I don't have any inside knowledge but I agree with LTfan's points. Viewing numbers don't seem great but it is filling up time on their free channel at a low cost. There must be some value to Sky Sports in supporting a developing domestic community-based league. I think Sky Sports believes British basketball can be bigger. It just takes time. They need to see improvements and in my opinion there have been improvements. If, as rumour has it, we will have two BBL teams competing in Europe next season, that is evidence of development, even if Sky Sports won't be broadcasting those games.

I also think the final at the weekend will play into their decision. If there is a big turnout, high viewing numbers and a great display by the teams, I think they will want to extend the partnership. The good news is we have two fantastic teams in the final.

Just looking at viewing numbers on YouTube it seems that netball does better for regular season games, but BBL does well in finals. I don't know why that is so but I think it's something to bear in mind when thinking about the Commercial value of the league.

The BBL coverage also compliments Sky’s NBA coverage.

What’s more encouraging than anything is 777 Partners view that the Sky Sports deal has real value. Reading between the lines, 777 Partners want to monetize the BBL Player (again) eventually. But they know they can only successfully do that if they a) improve the quality of the coverage on the BBL Player, and b) increase the awareness of and demand for the BBL. And it’s that second point they need Sky Sports for. The current deal basically gives Sky the BBL ‘at cost’, but for the reasons I’ve just stated I wouldn’t be surprised if 777 Partners were even happy to let Sky have it for less than cost. It’s all about the bigger picture.

My guess is that if Sky want the BBL next season, the BBL will do a deal for them to have it.

Also, it’s spoken about less often, but I hope the deal between the BBL and Buzz 16 continues. Their coverage, their first venture into live sport, has been excellent.

[spacejammer]

I hope the BBL gets another contract and possibly more coverage.
I really like the work that goes into the programme and credit Nat, Achara, Drew, Rowe and Dan for their work.

Plus the coverage does get shared out really well between teams as well.
And most games this season except the week they put Riders@Eagles on the 3rd time we're exciting and competitive.

I expect the viewing figures to go down since theirs more sport on now and they can't play around with it as much since they are relying on fans back in venues again.
Although it may not be the NBA it is still our league so I hope it gets as much support as it can.

[massiveridersfan]

I watch NBA games and also the BBL ones on Sky. Great coverage all round. Long may it continue.

[lochrocks]

Some excellent news on Twitter.


Buzz 16
@buzz16
·
52m
That’s a wrap for the
@bblofficial
21/22 season 🎬

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be back next year with
@natcoombs
,
@drew21pink
,
@kieronachara
,
@miketuck15
and the whole of the Buzz16 family 🖤🤍

See you there 👋

[irf]

Dan Routledge and team do a really great job!

[Deleted]

They really have got a fantastic team, and it really does feel like a professional production set up, this is obviously absolutely fantastic news

[spacejammer]

Brilliant coverage on Sky and todays final was broadcasted beautifully.
Felt really VIP and NBA style today especially the way the Half report talk was up on the balcony.

Well deserved and congrats to Nat, Dan, Rowe, Achara, Drew and Tuck for doing such a great job in making this happen.
I only hope the coverage continues to grow and possibly extra games next year.

[Deleted]

I would love there to be a few more games as well, Occasional Sunday night game, or maybe even a doubleheader if I going to be really greedy

But just been back on sky at all Is great news

[LTfan]

Official release from the BBL:

www.bbl.org.uk/sky-sports-extend-deal-as-british-basketball-league-broadcast-partner/

As everyone else has said, this is really great news.