Joost has always been regarded as a potential YouTube killer and everybody expected to see an attractive competition between the two platforms. But ever since Joost was released, YouTube grew up in popularity and remained the same extremely attractive web service. Meanwhile, Joost struggled to increase the number of users and tried all sorts of moves to reach its goal. A similar step was made yesterday when Joost signed a deal with NBA, in order to bring a new channel featuring exciting basketball content.

"The NBA is always looking to further engage our fans around the world and expand our digital offerings with innovative products like Joost", said Attila Gazdag, senior vice president of global media distribution for the NBA. "With the new NBA Channel on Joost, we offer our fans yet another platform to experience all the action of the NBA in a full-screen, high-quality environment."

The NBA Joost channel features video highlights of the 2007-2008 season, but also 'memorable' NBA content such as the 'Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant's 81-point game against the 'Toronto Raptors', on January 22nd, 2006.

"The style, the athleticism and the talent of the NBA thrills fans around the world. The NBA has an exceptionally engaged fan base. By making games, highlights and shows available on Joost, the NBA is ensuring that its fans can enjoy the action where they want, when they want, while simultaneously interacting with other fans from around the world", Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, executive vice president of content strategy and acquisition for Joost, added.

Joost is a free TV platform accessible through the web and is currently available in two flavors for Mac OS X and Windows operating system. The application provides a wide variety of content, starting with cartoons and animation, and ending with news and lifestyle.