Kiwis are some of the most passionate basketball fans on the planet, but actually watching the sport can be difficult. This is especially true regarding the NBA, where numerous obstacles – most notably the time difference – stand in the way of basketball aficionados trying to watch the world’s best league.
Despite the challenges, watching the NBA and NBL in New Zealand is actually easier than you might think. This guide will show you the ins and outs of watching both celebrated basketball leagues. We’ll outline the key dates and scheduling alongside commentary on which channels and network providers show basketball.
Keep reading for the lowdown.
NBA: Key Dates and Schedule
The first thing to check when searching for somewhere to watch the NBA and NBL is the key dates and schedule. Otherwise, you’ll miss important games, even if you know where to watch them.
With the 2023-2024 season drawing to a close, fans are readying themselves for the main event – the NBA Finals, which get under way on June 6, 2024, broadcast exclusively by ABC.
NBL: Key Dates and Schedule
The NBL is closer to home, with the action exclusively happening in Australia and New Zealand. This immediately gives spectators some key advantages, predominantly regarding the time difference. The 17-hour difference from US Eastern Time can create a stumbling block, but the NBL is far easier.
The Tasmania JackJumpers won the 2023-2024 NBL championship after beating Melbourne United in the March Grand Finals series. Kiwi basketball fans must wait until September 2024 for the next season to start, with the NBL Finals scheduled for March 2025.
Where to Watch the NBA in New Zealand
New Zealanders searching for options to watch the NBA are in luck, as there are a few different potential avenues to go down. Sky Sport Now is the easiest option if you don’t have the time or patience to muck around with VPNs.
An NBA League Pass costs $24.99 per month or $149.99 for the entire season. You could also choose a Team Pass (for fans of specific NBA franchises) for $21.99 per month or $144.99 for the entire year.
Aside from this, Kiwi fans can opt to use a channel like Fubo TV to access basketball games on other channels like ABC, ESPN2, TNT and TBS. However, these options require a VPN to circumnavigate some of the geographic restrictions.
Where to Watch the NBL in New Zealand
The NBL is broadcast far more widely in New Zealand. Sky Sport has several weekly options, including a free-to-air game on Sky Open every Sunday at 2pm. Dedicated fans can also buy Sky Sport Now NBL passes. These cost $24.99 for a week, $44.99 for a month or $449.99 for an entire season.
Best ways to complement watching the NBA and NBL
Watching the NBA and NBL can be exciting enough, although there are several ways to up the excitement. Check below for some suggestions on how to enhance the experience:
- Watch with friends: Why not invite some mates over to watch the NBA or NBL together? There is nothing better than sport in social settings, and you could also trade information on the key players or teams to watch.
- Place wagers: Check out the growing number of top-rated New Zealand betting sites to add some spice to the action. Fancy guessing who will score the first 3-pointer or which player will have the most rebounds? Placing NBA and NBL bets can add to the experience, especially with friends. NZ betting sites have various options, ranging from predictions on the winner down to specific player stats.
- Play basketball yourself: Don’t let the quality of basketball on offer in the NBA and NBL put you off playing yourself. Shooting some hoops with your mates before and after a game is another brilliant way to complement watching the action.
NBA Finals: who’s tipped to win?
Lastly, a word on the upcoming NBA Finals. Who will win the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics? After the Timberwolves knocked out the Denver Nuggets, experts have struggled to pick an overall winner. The Mavericks are arguably the favorites, especially with Luka Dončić pulling the strings.