Satellite and streaming television provider DirecTV is the presenting sponsor of the Military Basketball Association’s (MBA) annual playoffs and championship tournament that starts this weekend.
Founded in 2017, the MBA provides support to volunteers and players from around the world while educating communities on the challenges and stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, that is common among military service members and veterans. Basketball is one way to educate the community on this matter, with the MBA adopting the mission of “Life Through Basketball” as part of a broader attempt to seek positive opportunities for those who serve.
“DirecTV is synonymous with an outstanding entertainment and sports experience; that said, it is their exceptional commitment and dedication to the men and women who serve in our military that truly sets them apart, and we are extremely grateful for their support of our league,” Mike Meyers, the founder and commissioner of MBA, said in a statement. “Both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness month are recognized in May each year, and the MBA is honored to join forces with DirecTV to promote the resiliency of our heroes.”
This year’s MBA championship playoffs will take place on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at the Wichita Hoops Center in Wichita, Kansas. The championship game will happen on Sunday, May 28, one day before Memorial Day.
“DirecTV is extremely honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Military Basketball Association’s Championship Weekend,” Mike Wittrock, the chief sales and service officer at DirecTV, said earlier this month. “As a Marine veteran serving two combat tours, I know first-hand the mental challenges that our troops face during and post service. At DirecTV, we have developed initiatives to focus on those issues, and we are thrilled to partner with an organization that is also taking that initiative head on.”
The championship game will air live on the CBS Sports Network, which DirecTV carries in its Ultimate and Premiere packages. Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS Sports, is a named sponsor of the event.
“As teams prepare for the upcoming 2023 MBA Playoffs, they should be extremely proud of the military communities they represent and the amazing platform they have the chance to play on,” said Angel “Ace” Acevedo, the deputy commissioner and co-founder of MBA. “The MBA looks forward to this event, and thanks Paramount Veterans Network for its contributions and coordination to make this possible.”
Streamers who want to watch the MBA championship game on Sunday, May 28 can sign up for a discount on DirecTV’s Ultimate or Premiere package by clicking or tapping here. The discount saves streamers $10 off either package for three months. Ultimate package subscribers also get free access to Showtime, Starz and MGM Plus for three months (Premiere package subscribers have Showtime and Starz included in their plan, and get free access to MGM Plus for three months).
