MUMBAI: Basketball fans in Hong Kong can look forward to some of the best hoop action from the US. ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has netted the acquisition rights to broadcast a larger number of live games of the NBA on PCCW's now Broadband TV.

Under the agreement, ESS will broadcast three live NBA matches a week on now Broadband TV. Star Sports will carry live coverage of one match each week on the popular Friday morning time belt while ESPN will broadcast two live matches back to back each Saturday morning. A total of 46 live matches will be broadcast on ESPN while 24 matches will air live on Star Sports.

ESS coverage of the NBA also includes All-Star Game, All-Star Saturday, one Conference Final and the Finals. PCCW will be the only pay TV operator to broadcast the NBA Finals on ESPN.

ESS senior VP affiliate sales Adam Zecha said, "Basketball fans in Hong Kong can look forward to some of the best NBA action in the 2004/2005 season. In addition to bringing live matches during the prime Friday and Saturday morning slots, our coverage is supported by a line-up of programming such as NBA Action and Inside Stuff.

"These shows will cover match highlights, news and information, as well as pre and post match analysis. We are confident that our viewers will enjoy our expanded coverage and the enjoyment of the game we bring to the market."