CCTV has a long-standing partnership with FIBA, and with record audience numbers being achieved in China recently, the agreement on the new contract is sure to please all parties.

Coverage of FIBA's flagship tournaments, including next year's men's World Cup in Spain and women's World Championships in Turkey, as well as the men's FIBA Asia Championship which is due to start tomorrow, will be shown on the stations CCTV5.

The Asia Championship in the Filipino capital of Manila, and will now be covered by broadcasters from all over Asia, including Al-Jazeera in 23 territories, Fuji TV in Japan, Neo Sports in India and six other territories and Solar and TV5 in the Philippines.

China's defence of their FIBA Asia Championship title will be shown on CCTV5 after the new deal was agreed

The top three teams from the Asia Championships will gain automatic qualification for next year's World Cup, and China will be the hot favourites once again after going nine-for-zero when they lifted the trophy for the 15th time on home turf in 2011, though they will have to shake off the shocking performances at London 2012 which saw them suffer five straight defeats.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2013: Draw for 2013 FIBA Asia basketball Championship made in Manila
January 2013: FIBA Asia Basketball Championship moved to Philippines amid Beirut safety fears