The 2023 FIBA World Cup is set to be one of the most thrilling international events of the year, and fans in the USA will have the opportunity to watch all 92 games thanks to a broadcasting agreement with ESPN.
In an official press release, FIBA announced that ESPN would be airing all the games on their platforms including ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Of the 92 games, six will be exclusively aired on ESPN2, featuring three in the first round with Team USA. The remaining 86 games will be carried by ESPN+, as well as being available on FIBA's official streaming service, Courtside 1891.
To enhance the viewing experience for fans in America, FIBA will produce a dedicated broadcast feed for linear games on ESPN which will include specialist US commentators and US-focused content and analysis.
FIBA Media and Marketing Services Director, General Frank Leenders said:
“This is excellent news for basketball fans in the USA. We are excited to join hands again with ESPN with this partnership that will showcase all 92 games of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. This will bring with it more new synergies that will make basketball more accessible and enjoyable for fans leading up to our biggest event which is to be co-hosted for the first time across three countries this August and September”,
ESPN has proven its commitment to showcasing international basketball events recently. They distributed all of the Women's Basketball World Cup in 2022, airing six exclusive games on ESPNU and ESPNU - resulting in tripled viewership across America.
Additionally, they acquired broadcasting rights for both the EuroLeague Final Four of 2023 as well as EuroLeague season from 2023-24.
The USA are again one of the favourites of the tournament
Looking ahead to Team USA's participation at the World Cup, they have been placed alongside Greece New Zealand Jordan Group C.
Their opening game against New Zealand Tall Blacks is scheduled for August 26th. Team USA once again sets out to showcase their global dominance under head coach Gregg Popovich
ESPN Sr. Director, Programming and Acquisitions, Ashley O’Connor also shed thoughts on the deal and said:
“ESPN is excited to once again partner with FIBA and showcase this global event as well as all of the tremendous international talent. We’re proud to serve basketball fans with live event coverage of the sport on a year-round basis”
With ESPN broadcasting all 92 games of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, sports fans in America will have access to an incredible display of international basketball talent.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting tournament filled with high-intensity matches from teams around the world vying for glory on one of basketball's biggest stages.
The collaboration between FIBA and ESPN will only enhance the viewing experience for passionate sports fanatics eager to witness top-tier competition at its finest.
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