By Nick Creely
It was a landmark day for the WNBL on Tuesday 25 April with Fox Sports and Basketball Australia announcing a new and exciting three-year partnership which puts women’s basketball back on television as of next season.
In what has been a deal pushed for several years, the arrangement will see a minimum of one game per week, plus every finals match, broadcast live in Fox Sports through to the 2019/20 season.
It’s going to be a new look 2017/18 season, with the competition running for 12 weeks from October through to January, culminating with a best of three Semi and Grand Final series.
Fox Sports CEO Patrick Delany was thrilled with the outcome, lauding the competition as one of the most elite competitions in Australia.
“The WNBL is the longest running elite female competition in the country. It features incredible athletes, who are strong and fierce competitors,” he said.
“For too long the league has been invisible with no broadcast partner.
“(It) will ensure that fans around the country will be able to watch these athletes live in action.
“This isn’t just another broadcast deal – it’s a partnership. We are invested in making a difference, and putting women’s basketball in this country back on the map.”
WNBL head Sally Phillips was ecstatic that the WNBL is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
“We are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Fox Sports,” she said.
“As someone who has been involved with the WNBL as a player and administrator over the past 27 years, this announcement is truly amazing.
“I love this game and I am so excited that our clubs and out athletes will be back in the spotlight receiving the recognition and respect they deserve.”
Although the finer details, such as scheduling between Fox Sports and Basketball Australia need to be worked out, it is expected that everything will be finalised in time for the opening game in six months’ time.
