In a groundbreaking move, the NBA has signed a landmark national television deal that promises to reshape the landscape of basketball broadcasting. This colossal agreement, valued at $76 billion, introduces new partners to the NBA's media mix, including a media company, a broadcasting company, and a streaming service. Spanning 11 years, the deal will commence with the 2025-26 season and conclude at the end of the 2035-36 season.
The new deal marks a significant leap from the current nine-year contract, which is valued at $24 billion and is set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. This new arrangement not only ensures a substantial increase in the NBA’s revenues but also reflects the growing importance and value of sports broadcasting rights.
Major Players and Coverage Details
Under the new agreement, ABC and ESPN will maintain their roles as prominent broadcasters of the NBA Finals. They will also feature one of the two conference finals series in 10 out of the 11 years, along with comprehensive coverage of the Christmas Day games and marquee Saturday and Sunday regular-season matchups. Moreover, ABC/ESPN will air approximately 18 games during the first two rounds of the postseason each year.
Another broadcasting company, although not explicitly named, is slated to cover one of the conference finals series in six of the 11 years. This broadcaster will also provide extensive coverage of major events such as the All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Saturday night, opening night, and Sunday night primetime games. In partnership with its streaming service, this broadcaster will televise around 28 games during the first two rounds of the playoffs annually.
Amazon’s Prime Video emerges as a significant player, set to stream one of the conference finals series in six out of the 11 years. Prime Video’s coverage will extend to NBA Cup games and Play-In Tournament games, with the streaming service broadcasting about one-third of the first and second postseason rounds each year.
A Fond Farewell to an Era
Notably absent from the new agreement is Warner Bros. Discovery. Turner Sports, which began broadcasting NBA games in 1989, will see its association with the league come to an end. The upcoming season is expected to be the final one for the iconic "Inside the NBA" in its current form, signaling the end of an era for many 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," expressed the NBA, acknowledging the network's long-standing contribution to professional basketball broadcasting.
Commissioner Adam Silver’s Vision
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has shared his optimism and vision for the future, stating, "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."
The league’s primary objective throughout these negotiations has been clear: "Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans," according to an NBA statement.
Economic Impacts and Expectations
The financial implications of the new deal are substantial. With the NBA’s annual national media income set to increase by roughly 2.6 times, the league is poised for unprecedented revenue growth. National television revenue continues to be the largest contributor to the NBA's combined earnings, which were approximately $10.6 billion in 2023. Franchise values and player salaries are expected to see a significant uptick as a direct result of this lucrative agreement.
However, there is a safeguard in place concerning the salary cap. It cannot increase by more than 10% per year, but it is anticipated to rise by the maximum each year starting in the 2025 offseason, providing a stable framework for teams to manage their finances.
As this new era dawns, the NBA’s innovative approach to media partnerships is set to redefine how fans experience the sport, ensuring broader access and more immersive viewing options. The league’s forward-thinking strategy underscores its commitment to leveraging technological advancements to enhance and expand its global footprint.