Basketball Broadcasting in the UK: Evolution of Media Rights (2020–2025)
The landscape of basketball broadcasting in the United Kingdom has undergone significant shifts over the last few years. From the rise and fall of domestic leagues to the rotating rights of the NBA and US college basketball, fans have seen a transition across multiple platforms including Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and DAZN.
Key Facts
- Sky Sports regained NBA coverage in October 2025, sharing availability with Prime Video.
- DAZN is the current home of the Super League Basketball and college basketball (via ESPN).
- TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) held NBA rights from October 2023 until 2025.
- Super League Basketball replaced the British Basketball League (BBL) as the UK's men's professional competition in 2024.
The Shift in Domestic and International Coverage
In December 2020, the British Basketball League (BBL) returned to Sky Sports, which committed to broadcasting 30 games per season. This agreement was inclusive of the Women's British Basketball League, providing a broader platform for domestic talent.
By 2024, the domestic scene saw a major structural change. The British Basketball League was replaced by the newly launched Super League Basketball, the premier competition for men's professional basketball in the UK. DAZN stepped in as the official broadcaster for this new era in September 2024.
The Battle for NBA and College Basketball Rights
The broadcasting of the NBA (National Basketball Association) has seen several transitions. In March 2023, the BBC provided a limited window into the 2022–23 season, airing nine games including regular season, play-off, Conference Finals, and NBA Finals matches.
A major shift occurred in July 2023 when BT Sport was relaunched as TNT Sports following its sale to Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA. TNT Sports subsequently took over the NBA rights from Sky Sports in October 2023, broadcasting over 250 games per season. However, this transition also saw TNT decide to cease coverage of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).
This gap in college basketball coverage was filled by Sky Sports, which began showing three games per week in November 2023 via an agreement with ESPN. This partnership culminated in Sky Sports broadcasting the March Madness tournament—the high-stakes NCAA postseason—for the first time from March 29 to April 8, 2024, with a commitment to show the 2025 tournament as well.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook (2025)
The year 2025 marks another redistribution of rights. In October, DAZN became the new UK home for college basketball through a sub-licensing agreement with ESPN, promising up to 20 games per week.
Simultaneously, NBA coverage returned to Sky Sports on October 21, 2025. In a move toward multi-platform accessibility, NBA games in the UK are now also available via Prime Video.
| Year | Broadcaster | Competition/League | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Sky Sports | BBL & Women's BBL | 30 games per season |
| 2023 | BBC | NBA | 9 games from 2022-23 season |
| 2023 | TNT Sports | NBA | 250+ games per season |
| 2024 | Sky Sports | College Basketball | First March Madness coverage |
| 2024 | DAZN | Super League Basketball | Replaced BBL coverage |
| 2025 | DAZN | College Basketball | Up to 20 games per week via ESPN |
| 2025 | Sky Sports / Prime Video | NBA | Return of NBA rights to Sky |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which channel currently broadcasts the NBA in the UK?
As of October 21, 2025, NBA coverage has returned to Sky Sports and is also available via Prime Video.
What happened to the British Basketball League (BBL)?
The BBL was replaced in September 2024 by the Super League Basketball, which serves as the new professional men's competition in the UK.
Where can I watch College Basketball and March Madness in the UK?
Following initial coverage by Sky Sports, DAZN became the home of college basketball in October 2025, broadcasting up to 20 games a week through a sub-licensing deal with ESPN.
What is the relationship between BT Sport and TNT Sports?
BT Sport was relaunched as TNT Sports in July 2023 after being sold to Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA.
How many NBA games did TNT Sports broadcast during its tenure?
Under its agreement starting in October 2023, TNT Sports broadcast more than 250 NBA games each season.