The NBA has made two major announcements ahead of the NBA London Live 2013 next week which sees the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks at the O2 in a regular season game.
Earlier this week it was announced Sky Sports will show the game exclusively live this month as part of a new agreement for live games throughout the current season
Sky’s coverage of the sold-out fixture on 17 January will be the first NBA game in the UK to be available on Sky Sports 1 HD and 3D, and will be made available live on mobile and tablet devices through Sky Go. The NBA clash between the Knicks and Pistons is to be followed by live Sunday night games for the remaining fixtures of the regular season, as well as the NBA Playoff games, the entire Eastern Conference Finals and every game of the NBA Finals, taking Sky’s coverage right up until June.
Dan Markham, NBA vice president of media distribution and emerging markets, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sky Sports and make extensive NBA coverage – including Sunday double-headers in primetime – accessible to fans on television and across a range of devices. We look forward to bringing more exciting moments from the NBA season to fans in the UK on Sky Sports.”
The NBA and adidas have also expanded their relationship to make the league’s official global uniform and apparel provider the presenting partner of NBA London Live 2013.
As presenting partner, adidas will have a significant presence around the game. adidas will have significant branding in-arena including two logos prominently featured on the court, and will also conduct on court fan competitions and a comprehensive social media campaign around the game. Both teams will also wear commemorative NBA London Live 2013 presented by adidas shooting shirts to mark the occasion, with additional Knicks and Pistons merchandise available in-arena and at retail outlets including the adidas Store on London’s Oxford Street.
Also as part of the partnership, adidas will connect with NBA fans globally through the league’s international broadcast partners and digital platforms including NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS International, Facebook and NBA All-Access fan e-newsletters. adidas will also be presenting partner of the NBA London Live 2013 Party that will see guests and celebrities entertained in an exclusive central London location on the eve of the game.
“The world watched Europe’s passion for basketball during last summer’s games, and we’re excited to partner with the NBA to continue that momentum and grow the game through great fan experiences and products,” said Lawrence Norman, adidas vice president of global basketball.
“We are delighted to expand our long-standing global partnership and have adidas serve as the presenting partner of this historic NBA event,” said Benjamin Morel, Senior Vice President, NBA Europe. “NBA London Live 2013 presented by adidas is a great showcase of our game and provides adidas with an excellent opportunity to connect with NBA fans in the UK and across Europe through a range of exciting in-arena, media and retail promotions.”