Māori Television has secured the live free-to-air broadcast rights to all 15 home games of the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers as they take on the might of the Australian National Basketball League in the 2007-2008 season. 

In a deal announced on Māori sports entertainment show CODE tonight (June 21), the channel will broadcast the Breakers’ Thursday night home games in the ANBL championship from September 20 to February 7. 

Māori Television chief executive Jim Mather says the new partnership will elevate the channel’s sports coverage to another level as all New Zealanders will now have the opportunity to watch the country’s top basketball players in action. “The basketball deal is a major coup for Māori Television as the NZ Breakers are part of an international competition and are a team on the rise,” Mr Mather says.

 “Broadcasting New Zealand sport free-to-air – for all Kiwis – is a key strategy for Māori Television to attract more viewers and to build wider audience appeal. We are extremely proud to welcome the NZ Breakers to our stable of signature sports.” 

The first game between the NZ Breakers and the Taipans will screen free-to-air on Māori Television on Thursday September 20 at 8.00 PM. 

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