Roku Inc., a leading provider of streaming TV platforms in the U.S., announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), a professional basketball league in the United States and Canada.
This collaboration brings the first-ever NBA FAST channel (free ad-supported streaming TV) and a dedicated NBA Zone, offering a one-stop shop for varied NBA content.
Roku is committed to enhancing the TV streaming experience, and the NBA Zone is the latest example of that dedication. Launching within the Roku Sports experience, this unique destination allows users to easily access a wealth of NBA content, including games, highlights, documentaries, original series, and more.
The centrepiece of the NBA Zone is the inaugural NBA FAST channel, exclusively available for a limited time on The Roku Channel. With hundreds of programming options to choose from, NBA fans can stay connected to their favourite teams, catch up on the latest news, and relive iconic moments through game highlights.
Content on the NBA FAST channel extends beyond classic games and highlights. Viewers can expect to find recaps, documentaries, original series, studio shows, interviews, and additional content. The NBA FAST channel is accessible through The Roku Channel, related zones like the Live TV Zone and Sports Zone, the Live TV Channel Guide, or via The Roku Channel App.
Further expanding the NBA experience on Roku, the platform will serve as the exclusive national distributor for over 40 live NBA G League games during the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
The NBA App will be seamlessly integrated within the NBA Zone. This provides quick and easy access to the latest league news, behind-the-scenes content, and game clips, ensuring fans never miss a beat. Additionally, the NBA League Pass, the premium subscription service for live out-of-market games, will be available for purchase directly within the NBA Zone.
Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku, said, “Roku offers the kind of sports streaming experience that no other platform has—everything is tailored to the fan, whether they’re a die-hard fanatic or just getting into the local team. This strategic league partnership brings us a giant step further in our mission to make sports programming both easy to find and engaging to watch. We’re giving our users floor seats to an always-on experience, and we’re proud to be doing it in close collaboration with the NBA.”
Greg Beaton, NBA Senior Vice President of Content Partnerships, said, “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Roku with the NBA’s first FAST Channel and other NBA content and functionality that will serve as an enticement and on-ramp to live NBA games. This partnership supports our goal of reaching NBA fans with our content in innovative ways.”
Kristina Shepard, VP of Global Advertising Sales and Partnerships at Roku, said, “Bringing the NBA and the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S. together in one package is not only good for the fans—it’s also great for advertisers looking to tap into the power of marketing in sports. We’re excited to give brands the opportunity to reach our expanding, highly engaged audience, with some of the biggest moments of the basketball season yet to come.”
Roku connects users to their favourite content, empowers content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and offers advertisers unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV models, streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in the U.S. and various countries.
NBA is a professional basketball league in North America that features 30 teams and is globally recognized for its fast-paced action, high-flying athletes, and dynamic culture.