The NBA has announced a groundbreaking national television deal that promises to redefine the landscape of sports broadcasting. The agreement, valued at an astonishing $76 billion, will see the league partnering with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon to deliver content across a multitude of platforms. This transformative deal is set to commence with the 2025-26 season and will span 11 years, expiring after the 2035-36 season.
"Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans," the NBA stated, highlighting the inclusive approach taken during the discussions.
Enhancing Accessibility and Reach
Commissioner Adam Silver echoed the league's sentiments, emphasizing the global impact of the deal. "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," Silver remarked.
The current nine-year, $24 billion contract, which will conclude after the 2024-25 season, pales in comparison to the newly minted agreement. This previous deal set the stage for the NBA's growing media presence but will be eclipsed by the robust features of the upcoming contract.
Key Elements of the New Deal
ABC and ESPN, part of the Disney family, will continue their tradition of airing NBA Finals games. The two networks will also broadcast one of the conference finals series in 10 out of the 11 years, alongside Christmas Day games, marquee Saturday and Sunday regular-season matchups, and approximately 18 games in the first two rounds of the postseason each year.
Another major broadcasting company will join the fold, covering one conference finals series in six of the 11 years. Their coverage will extend to the All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Saturday night, opening night, and Sunday night primetime games. This broadcaster and its streaming service will deliver around 28 games in the first two rounds of the playoffs per season.
The streaming giant Prime Video will stream one of the conference finals series in six of the 11 years. Additionally, Prime Video will carry NBA Cup games, Play-In Tournament games, and about one-third of the first and second postseason rounds each year.
Economic Impacts and Future Prospects
The influx of revenue from this deal is expected to significantly boost the NBA's financial health. The league's annual national media income will increase by approximately 2.6 times, with franchise values and player salaries poised for substantial growth.
The salary cap, however, is constrained to a maximum annual increase of 10%, and it is anticipated that it will hit this upper limit starting in the 2025 offseason.
In 2023, the combined earnings of the 30 NBA teams reached roughly $10.6 billion, with national television revenue being the largest contributor. This new deal is expected to further inflate these numbers, solidifying the NBA's economic foundation.
A Fond Farewell to Turner Sports
While the new deal ushers in a fresh era for NBA broadcasting, it also marks the end of an illustrious partnership. Turner Sports, which began airing NBA games in 1989, will not be part of the new agreement. The upcoming season is expected to bid farewell to "Inside the NBA" in its current format.
"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 pivotal role Turner Sports has played over the decades.
This comprehensive deal, brimming with innovative broadcasting solutions and financial optimism, marks a pivotal chapter in the NBA's storied history. By aligning with top media partners and embracing a diverse array of platforms, the NBA continues its relentless march toward expanding its global footprint and delivering unparalleled viewing experiences to its fans worldwide.