Nine has struck a two-year broadcast deal with the National Basketball League, positioning itself as the home of free-to-air basketball from 2026.
The agreement will see two NBL games broadcast live and free each week across the 9Network and 9Now, expanding access for Australian audiences.
A selection of marquee matchups will air on Channel 9, alongside a broader schedule that includes weekly Saturday night games, finals coverage and a new studio program, NBL Overtime.
The deal also includes a dedicated NBL hub on 9Now, featuring highlights, classic games and catch-up content, supported by editorial coverage across Nine’s Wide World of Sports platforms.
The partnership arrives as the NBL continues to grow across attendance, digital engagement and broadcast audiences, positioning itself as one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports leagues.
Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, expressed that the competition is a strong addition to the network’s portfolio. “The NBL is without a doubt one of Australia’s most engaging and fastest growing sports competitions,” he said.
“The standard of the game has never been higher, passion from the fans has never been stronger and an innovative broadcast approach from all stakeholders makes this a perfect addition to Nine’s suite of sport assets.”
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David Stevenson, CEO of the NBL, said that the deal marks a key moment for the league’s expansion.
“This is a significant moment for the NBL and for basketball fans right across Australia. Following a record-breaking season across attendance, digital and Free to Air audiences, this partnership with Nine is about building on that momentum and making our game more accessible than ever before,” he said.
He added that the partnership with Nine would help increase visibility for clubs and players while reaching new audiences. “Having two games live and free every week is a major win for fans and a powerful platform to continue growing the game.”
Nine’s NBL coverage will sit alongside the WNBL and its broader Olympics programming, leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where Australia’s Boomers and Opals are expected to compete.