Australia's largest independent sports media syndicator, Crocmedia, has secured a 25% stake in the National Basketball League (NBL) 2018 Champions, Melbourne United.
In an Australian basketball first, NBL owner Larry Kestelman has agreed to sell a portion of his majority shareholding in the club to Crocmedia, now joint major shareholders of the club. Kestelman will retain a 25% share.
As part of the deal, Crocmedia-owned Melbourne radio network, 1116 SEN, will broadcast all Melbourne United home, away and finals games live. The station will become the ‘radio’ home of the club.
“With incredibly strong participation numbers, attendances, broadcast audiences and interest in the game, there’s never been a better time to get involved,” Crocmedia CEO Craig Hutchison says.
“As a specialist sports media company, we are excited about generating new revenue opportunities through this unique partnership."
The deal will provide its partners with access to grassroots all the way through to professional, including all the broadcast and content opportunities that come alongside it.
“Crocmedia is a dynamic, innovative and growing media company that will open up future opportunities for Melbourne United and the National Basketball League as the game continues to grow," Kestelman says.
“There is huge momentum behind the game and this is a great endorsement of the strength and direction of the NBL as a sports and entertainment business."
As part of the recent cricket radio rights negotiations, Crocmedia also secured the exclusive rights to all regional markets for the sport.
The deal sees Crocmedia become the only provider of Big Bash League (BBL) radio coverage for all 59 matches this summer and cover all BBL matches for the next six years, exclusively across regional Australia.
Crocmedia’s Big Bash Nation broadcasts will also be syndicated to partner radio stations across the country.
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