Nine locks in NBL free-to-air rights as basketball scores major TV boost
Nine Entertainment has struck a new deal with the National Basketball League (NBL), positioning itself as the free-to-air home of men’s professional basketball from 2026 in a move that reshapes the sport’s television landscape.
The two-year agreement will deliver two NBL games per week live and free across the 9Network and 9Now, expanding the league’s reach to a broader audience.
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A selection of marquee match-ups will air on Channel 9, while the arrangement also includes coverage of the NBL Finals Series, a weekly highlights and analysis program titled NBL Overtime, and a dedicated content hub on 9Now.
The deal does not replace existing subscription coverage, with ESPN to remain the exclusive paid broadcaster, retaining rights to every game across the season.
The agreement arrives just a week after Nine secured a separate broadcast deal for Australian Netball, as the network continues to strengthen its sports portfolio ahead of looming negotiations to retain NRL free-to-air rights.
Nine’s Director of Sport Brent Williams said the league’s growth made it an attractive addition to the network’s schedule.
“The NBL is without a doubt one of Australia’s most engaging and fastest growing sports competitions.
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.
We are thrilled to be entering this partnership and excited about the opportunities that will come from having NBL content on Nine’s platforms.”
The partnership also aligns with Nine’s broader Olympic strategy, with basketball coverage sitting alongside the WNBL and building towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where the Boomers and Opals are set to compete.
NBL Group CEO David Stevenson described the agreement as a key step in expanding the league’s visibility.
“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.
Having two games live and free every week is a major win for fans and a powerful platform to continue growing the game.
We’re incredibly excited to partner with Nine, whose scale and storytelling capability will help bring the energy of the NBL to more homes, create new fans, and elevate the visibility of our clubs and players.”
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According to the league, the partnership builds on recent growth across attendance, digital engagement and free-to-air audiences, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Further details, including specific fixtures and broadcast times for the 2026/27 NBL season, are expected to be released later this year.
The NBL will air from 2026 on the 9Network and 9Now, with two games per week broadcast live and free alongside continued full-season coverage on ESPN.
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