The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a multi-year deal with TVA Sports to bring Raptors and NBA basketball to a growing francophone basketball market.
The Raptors defeated the New York Knicks 108-103 in front of a sold-out 22,114 crowd at Bell Centre in October 2010. The opportunity showcased the immense popularity of NBA basketball in Montreal and the Quebec regions.
Montreal has long been rumoured as a potential NBA market and the city has a growing multicultural and diverse population and the province of Quebec has a long history of producing quality basketball teams and players.
Current Miami Heat Centre, Joel Anthony and Sacramento Kings big men, Samuel Dalembert grew-up in Montreal and reached the NBA, giving future generations the hopes and dreams of one day doing the same, more importantly an NBA team in their own backyard.
The deal makes sense for both parties and will provide additional insights, analysis and paint a clear picture for future investments.
TVA Sports will broadcast a mix of regular season NBA games, including live play-by-play coverage and analysis of the Toronto Raptors by knowledgeable basketball experts Paul Rivard (an experienced journalist and sports commentator) and Pascal Jobin (a former professional basketball player and coach).
The channel will also feature match-ups of legendary teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls, as well as the NBA Playoffs and The Finals. Live French broadcast of these games will be exclusive to TVA Sports.
“This two-year agreement brings basketball back to French-language TV after a 13-year absence,” comments Pierre Dion, President and CEO of TVA Group. “Francophone audiences from Quebec and across Canada deserve the opportunity to appreciate the thrilling spectacle of NBA basketball.”
“We’re thrilled to work with the NBA and TVA Sports on this exciting new initiative that allows us to better connect with Raptors fans across the country,” said Chris Hebb, Senior Vice President, Broadcast and Content, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “After the success of our preseason game in Montreal last year, we feel this is another step to better engage our French-speaking fans.”
“TVA Sports is a great destination for French-speaking sports fans in Canada, and we are excited to bring NBA games to their new line-up,” said Dan MacKenzie, Vice President and General Manager of NBA Canada. “Quebec is an important market for the NBA in Canada, and this partnership will help build a strong presence for basketball in the province.”