The NBA has struck a groundbreaking deal in the realm of sports broadcasting, solidifying a new national television contract worth an astounding $76 billion over the next 11 years. This agreement, set to commence in the 2025-26 season and running through the 2035-36 season, marks a significant increase from the current nine-year deal valued at $24 billion, which will expire at the end of the 2024-25 season.
In a move to diversify its media presence, the NBA has welcomed new partners, including a media company, a broadcasting company, and a streaming service, into the fold. These partners will help the NBA expand its reach and provide fans with more avenues to engage with the game they love.
Expanding Broadcast Partnerships
ABC and ESPN will maintain their stronghold on some of the NBA's key broadcasts, continuing to air NBA Finals games. They will also broadcast one of the two conference finals series in 10 out of the 11 years covered by the new agreement. Additionally, viewers can look forward to Christmas Day games, marquee Saturday and Sunday regular-season matchups, and approximately 18 games in the first two rounds of the postseason each year on ABC and ESPN.
Another broadcasting company will bring its unique flavor to the NBA coverage, taking charge of one of the conference finals series in six of the 11 years. This company will also handle the All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Saturday night, opening night, and Sunday night primetime games. The broadcaster and its streaming service are set to televise around 28 games in the first two rounds of the playoffs every season.
Prime Video’s NBA Coverage
Prime Video, a new entrant in the NBA broadcasting landscape, will be streaming one of the conference finals series in six out of the 11 years. Furthermore, Prime Video will carry NBA Cup games, Play-In Tournament games, and about one-third of the first and second postseason rounds each year.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented on the far-reaching implications of this new arrangement, 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."
Impact on Revenue and Salaries
The new deal will substantially boost the NBA's revenues, increasing the league's annual national media income by approximately 2.6 times. Currently, national television revenue is the largest contributor to the NBA's combined earnings, which amounted to around $10.6 billion in 2023. This financial windfall is expected to drive franchise values and player salaries upward.
Nonetheless, there are regulatory caps in place. The salary cap, for example, cannot increase by more than 10% per year. Given the enormous influx of new revenue, the salary cap is anticipated to rise by the maximum each year starting in the 2025 offseason.
A Nod to Turner Sports
As new partnerships form, the NBA is also bidding farewell to an old friend. Warner Bros. Discovery, a long-time collaborator, is not part of the new agreement. Turner Sports, which began broadcasting NBA games in 1989, will see its current format of "Inside the NBA" possibly conclude after the upcoming season.
The NBA expressed its gratitude, saying, "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."
Commitment to Accessibility
Throughout the negotiations for the new deal, the NBA's overarching goal was clear. "Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans," the league stated. With a mixture of traditional broadcasters and forward-thinking streaming services, the NBA aims to bring the excitement of professional basketball to more viewers than ever before.
As the new partnership takes effect starting with the 2025-26 season, fans can expect an enriched viewing experience, whether through cable, satellite, or streaming platforms. The NBA's strategic moves are poised to redefine how the game is watched and enjoyed, setting the stage for a dynamic era in sports broadcasting.