NBA: We see Latin America as one of the major emerging regions in the world

NBA games and lifestyle programming will reach 47 countries and territories in Latin America in four languages on multiple television and digital networks during the 2013-14 season. Channel NBA TV will expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, covering 35 countries for the following season.The NBA has three pan-regional TV partners across Latin America: ESPN, Turner (via partnership with channel Space), and DirecTV (which includes DIRECTV PanAmericana, Sky Mexico and Sky Brasil).PRODU spoke with Philippe Moggio, VP for Latin America of the NBA, who emphasized the importance of the region to the organization.“As we continue to grow the game globally, we see Latin America as one of the major emerging regions of the world. As a consequence, we have a long-term commitment to connect with fans locally through fan activities, community events, game broadcasts, merchandise, and digital media. Through key partnerships we are conducting programs that have rapidly accelerated the popularity of the sport,” said Moggio.He listed some of the newly formed partnerships: Netshoes, Bimbo, Samsung, BBVA, Sprite, Adidas, Gatorade, Take 2, Cisco and SAP.NBA’s social media and digital footprint in Latin America has also been growing.Six Latin American countries: Mexico (5), Venezuela (10), Argentina (11), Chile (14), Colombia (15), and Brazil (19), rank among the top 20 countries of NBA Facebook followers. Brazil has the 5th most followers to the NBA Twitter account (161K) of all countries worldwide and one of the Facebook pages with the most engaged fans (240K).