TAB and ESPN roll out Hoops & Hits for sports fans

AUCKLAND, Today: TAB and ESPN have teamed up to launch a new podcast, tapping into the rising local interest in American sports.

The ESPN Hoops & Hits podcast – presented by TAB – is hosted by former NRL stars and US sports enthusiasts, Justin Horo and Josh Reynolds. The show offers an in-depth yet uniquely Aussie perspective on major US sports for fans and punters alike.

“We know there’s a rapidly growing Aussie fanbase craving more and more content around the American codes, but in a way that’s relatable to us here in Australia,” said TAB’s Head of Sponsorship, Events & Sport Content, Kate Waugh.

“By leveraging TAB’s exclusive wagering partnerships with the NFL and NBA, and ESPN’s renowned local and US sports coverage, we can keep fans tuned into everything happening, from the NFL to College Football, NBA to WNBA, the NHL, Major League Soccer, UFC, and anything in between.”

“We know there’s a rapidly growing Aussie fanbase craving more and more content around the American codes, but in a way that’s relatable to us here in Australia.” – Kate Waugh

“Justin’s a huge Green Bay Packers fan, and Josh loves the Philadelphia Eagles. They obviously understand professional sport with their backgrounds, but they’re also a lot of fun and huge fans of all US sports.”

The ESPN Hoops & Hits podcast will kick off its debut episode on Wednesday, 4 September, just in time for the NFL season opener on September 7. It’s another boost to the growing popularity of the game in Australia.

“As we continue to see NFL fandom grow in the Australian market, we are excited to see TAB, our official wagering partner, and ESPN, our NFL broadcast partner, come together to create a US-themed sports podcast that supports our efforts to bring NFL closer to our local fans,” said Charlotte Offord, NFL General Manager – Australia and New Zealand.

The ESPN Hoops & Hits podcast will be available on Spotify, Apple, Megaphone, and all major audio streaming platforms starting Wednesday, 4 September.

HOSTS

Justin Horo: Justin is a New Zealand Maori Rugby League representative who played over 200 matches in the NRL and UK Super League. Since retirement he has built an impressive media career and is also host of the popular Levels Network Rugby league podcast.
Favourite NFL team: Green Bay Packers

Josh Reynolds: Josh Reynolds has represented The Blues in State of Origin, as well as a decorated Rugby League career that also included over 167 matches for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers.
Favourite NFL team: Philadelphia Eagles

ESPN: ESPN Australia delivers over 10,000 hours of live events and studio programming each year, featuring some of the most respected and recognizable names in world sport including Stephen A Smith, Pat McAfee, Adrian Wojnarowski and more. If you love sports, there’s no better place than ESPN.

TAB: TAB is the exclusive wagering partner of the NFL, exclusive wagering partner of the NBA and official Australian partners of the NBA and WNBA. TAB is Australia’s biggest multichannel wagering brand, offering a broad range of betting experiences across digital channels and in retail throughout Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT.

ESPN Hoops & Hits – presented by TAB:
Available on: List – Spotify, Apple, Megaphone