CBS Sports Network is jumping into coverage of the NBA Development League.
The national cable network will air D-League action for the first time. CBS Sports Network's coverage will feature 12 live regular-season games, including two from the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase, as well as 2013 NBA D-League playoffs and Finals action. The network will also provide exclusive coverage of the "3-Point Shootout" and "Slam Dunk Contest" from the 2013 showcase.
For its part, NBA TV will present over 30 games this season, including its NBA D-League "Game of the Week" airing each Sunday during the regular season. The network will also provide extensive coverage during the NBA D-League Showcase, and the NBA D-League All-Star Game taking place in Houston during NBA All-Star 2013. In addition, NBA TV will cover the race for the NBA D-League title when it airs postseason games.
Each of the 16 teams in the league plays a 50-game slate.
Of the 11 singly-affiliated NBA D-League teams, five teams are fully owned and operated by their NBA parent club: the Austin Toros (San Antonio Spurs), Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Los Angeles Lakers), Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Thunder) and the team owned by the Golden State Warriors.
An additional five teams have a hybrid relationship with their NBA parent club: the Erie BayHawks (New York Knicks), Idaho Stampede (Portland Trail Blazers), Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets), and Springfield Armor (Brooklyn Nets). The hybrid partnership gives an NBA team control of the NBA D-League team's basketball operations while local ownership retains control of the business.
The Texas Legends have a one-to-one relationship with the Dallas Mavericks.
