Ever wanted to showcase your sports commentary skills on television? Think you have what it takes to commentate a Sal’s NBL game?
Well, the Sal's NBL wants to hear from you!
Following the news the Sal’s NBL will have all 75 games on Sky Sport next season, along with 49 on Stuff, the league is now preparing to assemble its very own NBL Commentary Team.
The search is now on for budding commentators, along with former coaches and players who can add some real insight, passion and colour to the broadcasts.
While the league will align itself very closely with Sky Sport commentators and personalities, the sheer size of live coverage in 2020 means there will be opportunities for aspiring commentators and basketball analysts to work alongside the experts.
While the idea to build an NBL commentary team largely comes out of necessity, it is also an opportunity that NBL General Manager Justin Nelson sees as a way of providing young male and female broadcasters “a chance to get started in the industry.”
“When you include both our men’s and women’s national leagues, there will be some weeks where as many as ten games will be televised and that presents a lot of opportunities,” said Nelson.
“Having worked in the broadcasting industry prior to taking on this role at the NBL, I know first-hand that more often than not it’s about being presented with a chance to show people what you can do. It's about getting a start.
“You just need to be given an opportunity and it’s really pleasing that the Sal’s NBL and our soon-to-be rebranded women’s national league will be able to provide commentary opportunities.”
The NBL is hopeful the likes of Sky Sport commentators Huw Beynon, Casey Frank and Andrew Mulligan will be available to take on a few extra games amongst their own busy basketball schedule, while Dillon Boucher will also be involved, and together they will undoubtedly be able to pass on some tips to new faces amongst the league’s bank of commentators.
“We will work very closely with Sky Sport and their fantastic sports team, but there will definitely be a need for more commentators and basketball experts to help us with the number of games being produced by the NBL.”
With venues across New Zealand hosting national league games it also means the NBL isn’t just looking for talent in bigger cities. Regionally, the chance to get started in an exciting industry will now be a possibility.
“The great thing about our national leagues is we connect with players, coaches, fans and communities across cities, towns and regions. We now also need commentators and analysts in those areas for our broadcasts,” said Nelson.
“We know there are many aspiring sports commentators just waiting for a crack at it, an opportunity to show their talent and maybe move into the industry in a bigger way. Who knows?
“We want to hear from those with a great voice, a passion for the game, a willingness to learn from the experts in the trade, and a real desire to work hard at their craft,” added Nelson.
“It’s great to have basketball offering an opportunity like this. I think it’s another way we can elevate our national leagues, men and women, and provide a genuine career path for New Zealanders.”
Think you have what it takes?
Send your details and a short video of yourself telling us why you want to be a part of the Sal’s NBL Commentary Team.
Don’t forget, we also want to hear a bit of commentary. It’s an important piece in this application.
Maybe start with a game on television, sound down of course, and then give us your best stuff!
Send your application to leagues@nz.basketball
Good luck.
