Sportsnet becomes the Canadian Hub for FIBA Events Through 2025

It was announced this week that FIBA and Sportsnet solidified an agreement to make the broadcaster the official hub for FIBA events in Canada through 2025 — an exciting development for fans of Canada’s fast-growing national basketball teams. Sportsnet adds FIBA to its current slate of basketball coverage that includes the NBA and the WNBA, as well as Canada Basketball content.

Fans can expect to see Canada’s Senior Men’s and Women’s national teams compete in events such as the FIBA World Cup and the FIBA Americup competitions, as well as the same competitions for the Junior level teams. This is an especially exciting time for this deal to come to fruition, as Canada’s Senior National teams are currently experiencing exceptional growth and are sure to do well in upcoming international events.

As popularity of basketball in Canada — and especially of players who are local to Canada — continues to rise, having these competitions be accessible to watch is an important next step. This deal ensures FIBA events will air in Canada at least through Fall of 2025.

FIBA is the international governing body for basketball around the world, founded by 212 National Basketball Federations. It is the sole authority for international basketball per the International Olympic Committee. FIBA competitions serve as qualifiers for the Olympic Games as well as holding their own World Championship competitions.

Canada’s Women’s Senior National Team is currently ranked #4 by FIBA and has had an impressive run in recent international competitions, winning gold at the PanAm games in 2015, and again at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2017. Although their performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was not how the team expected to play, they are on track to impress in coming years.

On the Men’s side, the team came close to qualifying for the Tokyo Games this year, but unfortunately fell short. With talents such as R.J. Barrett and Dalano Banton only at the start of their careers, we should be in for a good run from Canada’s Senior Men’s team.

The first event Sportsnet will air as part of this new deal will come on November 28 and 29 as Team Canada takes on the Bahamas in the Men’s World Cup Qualifiers. The Women’s team will make their official Sportsnet debut in 2022 as they also compete to qualify for the World Cup Championships. The deal also secures the rights for Sportsnet to show games from other teams around the world, meaning fans can watch top teams like the USA and Australia compete as well.

“Complementing our network’s NBA, WNBA and Canada Basketball content, [this] partnership with FIBA reinforces our ongoing commitment to building a basketball legacy for players and fans alike in Canada,” said Bart Yabsley, President of Sportsnet.

As basketball in Canada continues to grow, it is great that fans can access games easier than ever before. It’s an exciting time to be a Team Canada fan!