NBA, ESPN Reach TV Rights Deal For U.K., Ireland Telecasts

The NBA and ESPN have reached a new TV rights deal in the U.K. that will put live NBA games on ESPN in the U.K. and Ireland for the rest of the '12-13 season. ESPN has had NBA rights for the past three years. Until now, both sides had not reached an agreement for this season. Sources say the NBA is still negotiating to place a package on Sky for the rest of this season.

The ESPN deal calls for the company's U.K. and Ireland network to air three live games per week for the remainder of the season along with the Western Conference playoffs and the NBA Finals. It will carry its first game of the season tomorrow with the Knicks-Heat matchup.