The West Coast Conference launched a television initiative with partner ESPN that will broadcast 23 men’s basketball games on ESPN Australia, ESPN HD Australia, ESPN Pacific Rim and ESPN New Zealand. The project marks the first time the West Coast Conference has reached beyond North America.

Seven Australians play on conference men’s basketball teams [Loyola Marymount, Saint Mary’s (California) and Santa Clara]. All eight conference members will be part of the package.

“We are very fortunate to work with ESPN, which is dedicated to helping the WCC extend our brand, and the distribution of these games in a very important overseas market does just that,” said Commissioner Jamie Zaninovich. “The fact that we have such considerable Australian representation in West Coast Conference men’s basketball makes this international television schedule even more meaningful.”

The broadcasts began last month and continue through March, including the conference tournament semifinals and championship game. For a complete broadcast schedule, click here.