The NBA and multinational telecom Econet announced a multi-year partnership to provide the most expansive NBA coverage ever across sub-Saharan Africa. The new deal represents the largest one ever for the NBA in Africa and will include NBA content across Econet Media's TV, Internet and mobile assets, including Kwesé Sports, beginning with the '16-17 NBA season. As the official broadcaster, Econet Media will provide fans with access to more live NBA games and events than ever before, including in excess of 500 games each year. Econet Media will distribute NBA content in English, French and Portuguese-speaking countries on leading pay-TV platforms across sub-Saharan Africa, including Econet Media's Kwesé Sports channel, on its Internet, mobile and satellite-based platforms. Econet Media will supplement its distribution with significant free-to-air coverage (NBA).
AFRICAN PURSUIT: The AP reported the NBA is "making a new play for fans in Africa." It will see the NBA "end its relationship with South Africa-based satellite TV broadcaster SuperSport." That contract "expires at the end of this season." The NBA did not disclose financial details or say "exactly how long the Econet agreement was for." NBA VP & Managing Dir for Africa Amadou Gallo Fall said, "I can tell you this is the largest partnership in the history of the NBA in Africa." The partnership would "likely offer Africans more affordable access to the NBA even though it would still be on Econet's new pay-TV service." Distributing more content on mobile devices "could also help the NBA's reach on a continent where only a few have satellite or pay TV, but millions have cellphones and other wireless devices." Fall said, "In Africa, a mobile device is the first screen for many. We really wanted to tap into the opportunity that space offers" (AP, 4/21).
IN RUSSIA: The NBA and Russian sports website Sports.ru announced the launch of NBA.com Russia, the NBA's official destination in Russia. Hosted in a dedicated section of Sports.ru and the Sports.ru mobile app, NBA.com Russia features a range of multimedia content including videos, highlights, localized editorial and real-time statistics. Sports.ru's editorial team will provide insight and expertise with blog posts, analysis and commentary. Sports.ru will also operate Russia's first official NBA VKontakte page (www.vk.com/official_nba) and Twitter account (@NBA_RU), providing fans with up-to-the-minute content (NBA).
