Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and the NBA today announced that beginning the 2017-18 NBA season, NBA games will be broadcast LIVE with Hindi commentary every weekend on Sony TEN 3 and Sony TEN 3 HD, a package of close to 100 NBA games including the Regular Season and Playoffs. The games will continue to be simulcast with English commentary on SONY SIX and SONY SIX HD.
With the growing popularity of the NBA across the country, this move aims to engage a wider set of fans and enthusiasts with Hindi as their primary language. The Hindi commentary will be presented by an expert panel of commentators which will include celebrity NBA fans. The commentators have undergone rigorous training to fine tune their abilities in presenting NBA games, which included personalized training by long-time Indiana Pacers’ play-by-play announcer Chris Denari.
The league has also associated with popular NBA and basketball influencers such as Bollywood actor and VJ RannvijaySingha, popular culture stand-up comedian GursimranKhamba to be guest commentators on a regular basis.
“We are committed in channeling our efforts towards expanding NBA’s fan base in the country and strengthening our reach,” said Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports and Distribution Business, SPN. “We have seen a consistent increase in viewership over the years for NBA and to keep up this momentum we are continuing our initiative of the Hindi language commentary. A special panel of expert commentators has been engaged to deliver expert analysis in Hindi for each play.”
“Along with our partners, Sony Pictures Networks, we are excited to offer Hindi in-game commentary through the 2017-18 season,” said YannickColaco, Managing Director, NBA India. “As a part of our commitment to popularize the game of basketball in India, we will continue to offer more localized programming to engage with a wider audience.”
The network will also continue to broadcast daily and weekly NBA highlight shows and integrate daily content from NBA TV, including team previews and recap shows. The program will be hosted by a panel of basketball experts that will provide analysis and insight on all the latest NBA news.
SONY SIX & SONY SIX HD 18th October onwards and exclusive Hindi in-game commentary on SONY TEN 3 & SONY TEN 3 HD, along with the Live wraparound show Around the Hoop, every weekend, starting 21st & 22nd October 2017.
