BAHRAIN, 6 May 2006 — Orbit viewers throughout the region will be able to follow the progress of their favorite NBA teams with the launch of NBA TV on the Orbit network on May 7. The exclusive deal brings NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour television network, to Orbit subscribers’ homes 24/7.
The new deal gives Orbit the exclusive broadcast rights to deliver NBA TV to all subscribed viewers, who will be able to enjoy the programs on Channel 18, throughout the Middle East and North Africa for a period spanning three-seasons. The deal with NBA TV, which complements Orbit’s already extensive sports offering on Orbit ESPN, features seven live NBA and WNBA games per week including the playoffs, behind the scenes access, as well as a host of original programming and enough highlights to quench the thirst of even the most avid hoops fan.
Michael Anthony, vice president, Orbit Sports Programming said, “With this deal, Orbit enhances our long standing commitment to sports fans across the Middle East and North Africa. The channel not only offers live coverage of regular season and playoff games, but also a wide array of focus programming for the die-hard fans and general interest programming for regular enthusiasts. This deal is just the tip-off for a host of new programming in the works as we continue to strengthen our sports programming portfolio. NBA Basketball is truly the global game and is a perfect fit for Orbit Sports’ commitment to coverage of the world of sports.”
“We are pleased to extend our long-term cooperation with Orbit to include NBA TV,” said Scott Levy, senior vice president of International Television and Marketing Partnerships for the NBA. “Orbit has consistently delivered high quality programming to its viewers and NBA TV will allow our fans to receive even more comprehensive coverage of the NBA.”
