ESS, ABL expand broadcast partnership

MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) and Asean Basketball League (ABL) have signed an expanded partnership that marks the start of "ABL Friday Basketball" on ESS networks. This new partnership is in line with plans to bolster ABL coverage in the upcoming 2013 season that tips off in January, as well as a new commercial agreement.

In addition to the live broadcast on television (ESPN & Star Sports), the matches will be available across multiple platforms including online (ESPN Player) and mobile (Mobile ESPN). ESS will also work with the ABL on its broadcast coverage with enhanced on-air graphics for a superior fan experience.

ESS MD Peter Hutton said, "We see prime time Friday night basketball as a powerful tool to further popularize the ABL. We?re very impressed with the league?s willingness to help us jointly grow the sport."

ABL CEO Anthony L. Macri said, "It is encouraging to have a dedicated and renowned partner in ESPN Star Sports who shares our ambition to elevate regional basketball across South-East Asia. Fans who have followed the evolution of the sport on ESPN STAR Sports will have many more great moments to catch in the coming seasons with their top-class coverage and commitment to take the sport to greater heights.

Basketball fans can also look forward to additional programming on ESPN Star Sports in the upcoming season that includes the weekly show ?ABL Crossover?, a magazine style program which includes entertaining off-court segments with a lifestyle spin as well as game highlights, news and interviews with ABL personalities across the region.

The ABL will also enjoy additional news coverage on SportsCenter, Score Tonight and on the 24-hour sports news channel, ESPNEWS thus keeping basketball fans updated on the latest news, views and results.

ESPN Star Sports will also work with the ABL to further build upon its promotional efforts through ESS? on-air networks, digital media assets including regional espnstar.com and dedicated sites espnstar.my and espnstar.id in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively.

The partnership also includes social media campaigns that raise engagement levels with basketball fans across Asia. The ABL tips off its fourth season on 11 January 2013 featuring a rematch of last year?s final between the San Miguel Beerman and the defending champion Indonesia Warriors.