ESPN and FIBA Sign Multiyear Rights Agreement

Gains rights to more than 400 games across six tournaments from 2013-15, including first Basketball World Cup

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/22/2012 12:57:59 PM

ESPN announced Monday that it has signed a multiyear, multiplatform rights agreement with FIBA, the world's governing body for basketball, that will see over 400 games covering six tournaments across ESPN networks from 2013-2015.

The agreement covers the FIBA Americas Championships (2013, 2015), the EuroBaskets (2013, 2015), the FIBA Basketball World Cup (2014) and the FIBA World Championship for Women (2014). The Basketball World Cup was previously called the FIBA World Championships, but is being rebranded to improve popularity.

ESPN rights include both English and Spanish, extending throughout the U.S. and its territories, excluding Puerto Rico. All Team USA and Gold Medal Games will air live on ESPN or ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes. ESPN has previously aired the FIBA Americas Championships and EuroBaskets in 2009 and 2011 and the FIBA World Championships in 2010.

"ESPN's commitment to International basketball continues to intensify as the sport's global popularity soars," said Leah LaPlaca, VP, programming and acquisitions. "This agreement expands our year-round basketball presence while serving the passionate and growing Spanish-speaking audience in the US."