MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA and ESPN Africa have agreed to a new strategic partnership that will grant the broadcaster exclusive English-language rights across Sub-Saharan Africa until 2029 for distribution on ESPN pay television services.
The four-year agreement ensures FIBA maintains a premium and comprehensive broadcast presence throughout the African market, while also cementing ESPN Africa's position as the leading destination for top-tier international basketball on the Continent.
This expansion of the ESPN Africa portfolio also reflects the sport's increasing popularity, both building on strong audiences and demand for FIBA events.
Women's basketball in particular is gaining significant momentum, with national teams across Africa investing heavily in preparation and talent development. The expanded ESPN Africa partnership aligns closely with this trend, reflecting the growing interest in women’s sport more broadly. This is expected to enhance even further the visibility of female basketball players across the region.
ESPN Africa will give viewers across the Sub-Saharan region access to an outstanding lineup of coverage, showcasing national team basketball at the biggest FIBA competitions.
The partnership tips off with the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers on November 27. Featuring African powerhouses such as Senegal, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, it promises to be an intense and entertaining 'Road to Qatar' as nations look to book their place for the showpiece FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Doha.
Fans will also be able to enjoy the action from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 - including the FIBA Qualifying Tournaments next March featuring Nigeria, Mali, South Sudan and Senegal.
During the rights cycle, which will conclude in 2029, there will also be multiple Continental Cup tournaments, including the FIBA AfroBasket for men and women, as well as the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for LA 2028.
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, stated: "It's satisfying to have secured an expansion of the African market, especially when collaborating with such a valued and respected broadcast partner such as ESPN Africa.
"Fans right across Sub-Saharan Africa are not only going to be able to benefit from increased opportunities to watch the best FIBA competitions in the world, they will also be guaranteed high quality delivery and content from ESPN across its various platforms.
"Africa already has a huge appetite for the sport, but we particularly recognize the potential for significant growth in women's basketball across the region - something this expanded ESPN Africa agreement will support."
Meanwhile, Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, stated: "ESPN Africa remains committed to bringing viewers the very best in sport from around the world.
"Basketball has an incredible following on the Continent and this collaboration with FIBA gives our audiences the opportunity to experience the global game in all its forms - from the biggest tournaments to the next generation of stars."
This agreement was negotiated by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and DAZN. ###
About FIBA FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball and about.fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About ESPN Africa ESPN, Inc., is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment enterprise featuring a portfolio of more than 50 multimedia sports assets. It has eight U.S. television networks and 26 International Networks, ESPN Audio (broadcast, satellite, digital, podcasts), the leading portfolio of digital sports services in the world, ESPN The Magazine, consumer products, ESPN Events and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Hearst holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA The Walt Disney Company has been in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for over 90 years and employs thousands across the region. Between Disneyland Paris and its other iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs and inspires millions of consumers in more than 130 countries through the power of unparalleled storytelling. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 85 markets across EMEA.