WNBL agrees new broadcast deal ahead of 2021/22 season

With its 2021/22 season will set to tip-off on Thursday 2nd December, showcasing a wealth of quality Australian and international talent, the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) has agreed a broadcast deal with Foxtel, Kayo and ABC.

All 84 regular season games and finals will be broadcast live on Kayo meaning fans have all their WNBL action available in one place.

In addition, up to two games per week will be broadcast liveon Kayo Freebies and one game per week on Kayo YouTube, while both Fox Sports and ABC will feature a game of the round live each week in the premium 5pm Saturday slot.

The ABC has been a long-time supporter of the WNBL and will broadcast one game LIVE each week on the main channel and IVIEW further increasing the reach of the audience. The ABC will also provide comprehensive editorial coverage across their TV, radio and digital platforms.

Advising that the appetite from fans to watch and play basketball has never been higher with the WNBL coming off a record breaking 2020 ‘hub’ season, Basketball Australia Chief Executive, Matt Scriven stated “this broadcast deal is a win for the fans who are at the heart of every decision we make.

“The quality of the competition at the WNBL is world class (showcasing) the best talent in the country, and this broadcast deal ensures all the fans will have access to quality coverage throughout the season.”

Rebecca McCloy, Foxtel Group Commercial Director-Sports, added “we have a rich history with the WNBL and over the years have seen the league, players, coaches, clubs and national participation in the sport go from strength to strength.”

With a World Cup in Sydney next year and an Olympics in Paris only three years away, basketball Australia’s commitment to its Women and Girls strategy will ensure girls have more opportunities in the sport than ever before.

Lauren Jackson, Head of Women in Basketball noted “the Women and Girls strategy is a key pillar of our business, the WNBL is a priority as we strive to deliver world class opportunities to women and young girls across playing, coaching, officiating and administrating our sport.

“Women’s basketball continues to grow each year with interest at an all-time high and more people playing our sport than ever before.

“We want more girls playing basketball and having global role models playing in a competition on home soil is the key. As we head towards a FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney next year, the WNBL will continue to grow and showcase the best talent in the country.”

Sydney Uni Flames will play double header games with the NBL Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena, the venue for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, giving fans in Sydney the opportunity to witness the best basketball talent in one place.

The Deakin Melbourne Boomers have returned to the State Netball and Hockey Stadium for the upcoming season and will open their 2021/22 WNBL campaign with a home game against country Victoria rivals, Villawood Bendigo Spirit.

Reigning champions Southside Flyers have been able to keep the nucleus of the team together, and they will unveil the Championship trophy won last year with a home game against cross-town rivals Melbourne Boomers.

Spalding have extended their partnership for season 2021/22 as the official ball of the WNBL, IAthletic have extended their partnership as the Official Teamwear Apparel Partner of the WNBL and Archer have renewed their partnership with WNBL until 2023 as the official supplier of referee uniforms.