Unprecedented Streaming Deal Brings NBA Action to Disney+ in Basketball-Crazed Philippines

Live NBA games are coming to Disney+ in the Philippines. The Walt Disney Company and ESPN announced a multiyear deal this week. It will bring select live games and NBA programming to the streaming platform.

The move targets one of the league’s most passionate international fanbases. Basketball is the national sport in the Philippines. This partnership marks a major expansion for Disney’s sports streaming strategy in Southeast Asia.

What Filipino Fans Can Expect From the New NBA Deal

The new programming begins on November 20, Philippine Standard Time. It starts with an NBA doubleheader. The Houston Rockets at Cleveland Cavaliers game tips off first.

Subscribers will get live regular-season and playoff games. They will also receive marquee events like NBA Christmas Day games. One NBA Conference Finals series will stream live each season.

The other Conference Finals and the NBA Finals will be available on delay. Fans also get popular studio shows. This includes *Inside the NBA* with Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley.

According to Reuters, this deal reflects a targeted approach to regional sports rights. The English-speaking Philippines is a key growth market for Disney+. NBA games are consistently among the most-watched broadcasts there.

Strategic Play for Disney and the NBA in a Key Market

This agreement is a strategic win for both parties. For Disney, it adds must-see live content to Disney+ in a competitive region. It leverages the existing ESPN brand and relationship with the NBA.

For the NBA, it deepens access for millions of dedicated fans. The league’s head of content partnerships in Asia called it an exciting time for fans. The goal is to make it easier to follow favorite teams and players.

The deal is more than just game broadcasts. It includes the NBA Draft and All-Star Celebrity Game. This provides year-round basketball content for subscribers.

Industry analysts see this as a test case. Success in the Philippines could lead to similar models in other Southeast Asian markets. Disney is actively exploring additional sports rights in the region.

This NBA deal significantly boosts Disney+’s value proposition in a critical market. It directly serves the Philippines’ immense basketball passion with premium content.

Info at your fingertips

When do the NBA games start on Disney+ Philippines?

The live games begin on November 20. The first day is a doubleheader starting with a morning game. The schedule follows Philippine Standard Time.

Will the NBA Finals be live on Disney+?

One Conference Finals series will stream live each season. The other Conference Finals and the NBA Finals will be available on delay. This is part of the current broadcasting rights structure.

What other NBA content is included?

Subscribers get studio shows like *Inside the NBA*. The deal also includes the NBA Draft and All-Star events. It offers a mix of live games and analysis.

Why is the Philippines market so important?

Basketball is the most popular sport in the country. The NBA has a massive, dedicated fanbase there. It represents a major growth opportunity for streaming services.

Is this deal similar to ESPN+ in the US?

It integrates NBA content directly into the main Disney+ app. This differs from the standalone ESPN+ service in the United States. It is a tailored solution for the Southeast Asian market.