Tipoff After Takeoff: WME’s IMG Bringing Live NBA Games To Airliners

As the 2015-16 NBA season opens, IMG has inked a multiyear pact with the league to bring live pro basketball to air travelers. The in-flight action on IMG’s Sport 24 will cover more than 100 regular-season and playoff games — including the Finals — every year on 250-plus planes spanning 10 airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. As part of the deal, WME-owned IMG also will distribute original NBA programming, highlight shows and content across the wider industry.

“The NBA is an outstanding addition to the Sport 24 stable of top live action from the world’s major sporting events and leagues,” said Richard Wise, SVP Media at IMG.  “Airline passengers and basketball fans around the globe can now see regular live NBA action and witness the drama and excitement, featuring so many iconic players.”