MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA has granted Nelonen Media exclusive pay television broadcast rights for Finland, with the broadcaster set to continue utilizing their market-leading subscription platform Ruutu+ to showcase the biggest FIBA events.
Building on their existing relationship, both parties reached terms to extend their partnership for the upcoming four-year media rights cycle, commencing this week with the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
With a Ruutu+ Urheilu subscription, consumers will be able to follow all Finland national team games until 2029, with games available for fans to watch both live and on demand. Unprecedented audiences for the Finnish market were a feature of Nelonen’s coverage of FIBA Eurobasket 2025, when the entire nation was left captivated by the men's national team making a run to the Semi-Finals.
Susijengi harnessed the immense power of home floor support, with the group stage having been held in Tampere. That provided the impetus for them to make it all the way to the last weekend of the prestigious tournament. Basketball is certainly riding a wave of momentum in Finland, with the city of Espoo also getting set to host a group stage of FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027.
Meanwhile, Ruutu+ will also show other key games from leading tournaments, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Germany, and the FIBA EuroBasket 2029.
The coverage through the new rights cycle tips-off on November 28 when Finland head to Hungary in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, commented: "We are very happy to be extending our relationship with Nelonen Media and ensuring consumers in Finland can continue enjoying outstanding coverage of national teams games - as well as some of the biggest matchups at FIBA's major tournaments.
"There's such a positive and powerful buzz around Finnish basketball and not least because of the amazing support and energy from the fans. That shows no signs of slowing down after the team's exploits at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, and we can also look forward to the co-hosting of FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027.
"Furthermore, the deal with Nelonen Media complements the coverage that will be available through Finland’s national broadcaster, YLE, who have been granted free to air broadcast rights through FIBA’s deal with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)."
"After the unforgettable EuroBasket, we wanted to continue being part of the Finnish team’s journey in one way or another," said Nelonen Media's Head of Sports, Tuomas Saarela.
"We're more than excited to be able to offer the team’s games interpreted by the blue-and-white voice of basketball, Kristian Palotie."
This agreement was negotiated by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and DAZN.
FIBA