NBA, Econet Strike League's Largest Content Deal In Africa To Date

The NBA has struck a multiyear partnership with Johannesburg-based telecom outfit Econet to distribute league content in sub-Saharan Africa. The deal calls for more than 500 live NBA games to be aired each year on Econet Media’s TV, Internet and mobile platforms. The deal includes regular-season games, the postseason, All-Star Game, NBA Draft and WNBA playoff games. Econet's Kwese TV also will carry the NBA TV channel. The content will be shown in English-, French- and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is the league’s largest ever on the continent and follows an exhibition game the NBA staged last August in Johannesburg. “The enthusiasm and popularity of this globally recognized sport is rapidly growing across our youthful continent,” said Econet Founder & Exec Chair Strive Masiyiwa.