The National Basketball Association (NBA) has reached a monumental new national television agreement, unveiling a deal that promises to transform the landscape of basketball broadcasting. This new arrangement, reportedly valued at an eye-popping $76 billion, will span 11 years and come into effect starting with the 2025-26 season, running through to the conclusion of the 2035-36 season.
New Partners and Expanded Coverage
The agreement ushers in new media partnerships, marking a seismic shift in how fans will engage with the sport. Most notably, Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon are on board as new broadcasting giants. With varied platforms—from traditional broadcast to streaming services—these partners are set to maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA content.
"Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans," the NBA stated, underlining the core aim of these discussions. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broad spectrum of new viewing opportunities: "Our new global media agreements with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon will maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games for fans in the United States and around the world. These partners will distribute our content across a wide range of platforms and help transform the fan experience over the next decade."
ABC and ESPN Hold Steady
Despite the novelty of the new deal, some familiar faces remain. ABC and ESPN will continue to air NBA Finals games, a tradition set to persist for at least the next decade. Moreover, the companies will broadcast one of the two conference finals series in 10 out of the next 11 years, ensure coverage for Christmas Day games, and continue to spotlight marquee Saturday and Sunday regular-season matchups.
In the postseason arena, ABC/ESPN is slated to televise approximately 18 games in the first two rounds each year, providing fans with ample opportunities to catch the action right from the opening tip-off through to the climax of those series.
Role of NBCUniversal and Amazon's Prime Video
NBCUniversal and its associated broadcasting company will bring their own distinct flair to the coverage, handling one of the conference finals series in six of the 11 years. They are also taking charge of All-Star Game events, NBA All-Star Saturday night, opening night, and Sunday night primetime games. Their reach extends into the playoffs, where they will cover around 28 games in the first two rounds each season.
Amazon’s Prime Video represents a new frontier for NBA broadcasting as well. The platform will stream one of the conference finals series in six out of the 11 years. Additionally, Prime Video is set to carry NBA Cup games and Play-In Tournament games. Fans can expect roughly one-third of the first and second postseason rounds to be available on the streaming service annually, providing a convenient and versatile viewing option.
Notable Absences and Final Season for "Inside the NBA"
The integration of new partners signifies the departure of some long-standing broadcast associations. Warner Bros. Discovery is notably absent from the new agreement, marking an end to Turner Sports' era of NBA coverage that began in 1989. The upcoming season is expected to be the last for the iconic "Inside the NBA" show in its current form, a bittersweet moment for dedicated fans.
“We are grateful to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage of the NBA and look forward to another season of the NBA on TNT,” the NBA expressed, acknowledging the significant contribution made by Turner Sports over the decades.
Financial Impact and Future Outlook
The new deal is poised to significantly bolster the NBA’s financial landscape. The agreement increases the league's annual national media income by approximately 2.6 times compared to the current deal, which is a nine-year contract valued at $24 billion and expiring at the end of the 2024-25 season. Such financial growth is expected to catalyze an increase in franchise values and player salaries, further highlighting the transformative impact of the deal.
As national television revenue remains the largest contributor to the NBA's combined earnings, which were approximately $10.6 billion in 2023, this new deal underscores a promising future. The salary cap, tethered by an increase limit of 10% per year, is anticipated to rise by the maximum each year starting in the 2025 offseason, offering even more financial flexibility to the teams.
In summary, the NBA's new broadcasting deal represents more than just an expansion of media coverage—it’s a strategic move designed to elevate the global reach and financial health of the league. With new partnerships and expanded platforms, fans around the world are set to experience basketball in unprecedented ways.