SINGAPORE: Around 135,000 spectators caught all the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) matches live last season.
And new measures are being introduced this season to help increase viewership both on and off the court for the six teams including the Singapore Slingers.
The ABL was launched in 2009 and it has raised the profile of the game of basketball.
However, there is still a huge market to tap and ABL hopes to achieve that with greater television coverage and live streaming this year.
Anthony Macri, chief executive officer of ABL, said: "Each one of our teams this year will have a local television broadcast partner. Last year, only half of our teams had one. With technology willing, we are streaming every one of our games live this year through the region."
There will be more play-off matches and the quality of is expected to be high despite the reduction from eight teams last season to six teams this year.
"The quality of play will increase. We have seen an increase (in quality) over the last three seasons and I think this year will be no different," Mr Macri assured.
Improving fan experience is another area that is a big concern.
The Singapore Slingers has one of the best venues among the six teams but its sheer size affects the game atmosphere.
That could soon change once the Sports Hub is completed.
Singapore Slingers' general manager Michael Johnson said: "Once the Sports Hub is up, there will be a multi-purpose facility and there is some talk there might be a situation where we could move there. That would be a 3,000-seater ring.
"At this stage, that would be the ideal size for us. When we have some games, for example against the San Miguel Beers, it would be sold out as we get over 3,000 (spectators)."
The ABL has definitely impacted Singapore basketball in a positive way.
All the 10 local players in the Slingers are part of the national squad and playing in the league provides the critical competition as they gear up for the 2013 and 2015 SEA Games.
- CNA/fa
Basketball: ABL looking to connect more with fans this season
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Basketball: ABL looking to connect more with fans this season
