NBA unveils easier mobile payments for League Pass

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is partnering with mobile payment firm PM Connect to enable fans to subscribe to its live game service NBA League Pass using their mobile phone and without the need for a credit card.

NBA fans in Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, South Africa, Spain and the UK will be able to add an NBA League Pass subscription to their mobile phone bill via direct carrier billing (DCB).

The partnership will expand the reach of NBA League Pass to new fans in Europe and Africa, with PM Connect working with a network of more than 20 mobile network operators in seven countries to make this possible.

NBA League Pass provides live and on-demand access to a season of NBA games with live stats, alternative audio and multiple viewing options. It includes game viewing enhancements such as new camera angles, multiple in-language streams, celebrity influencer commentary, in-depth analytics and statistical graphics, and social media integration.

Bastien Lacheny, associate vice president, media distribution for NBA EME, said: “NBA League Pass is all about giving our fans the best possible viewing experience, anytime, anyplace. As more basketball fans enjoy content streamed directly to their mobile devices, we are keen to meet their needs and provide them with a mobile payment option best suited to their viewing habits. By adding direct carrier billing to the suite of subscription payment types on offer, fans will be able to enjoy an enhanced transactional experience.”

Christopher Purdie, Chief Commercial Officer at PM Connect, added: “PM Connect’s mobile-first approach will be a key piece in the puzzle to provide payment options for all NBA League Pass subscribers. Our partnership will help connect NBA League Pass to audiences in some of its biggest territories outside of the U.S., demonstrating the growth opportunity mobile presents for forward-thinking brands.”