The landscape of NBA broadcasting is set for a significant transformation as the league has secured a landmark national television deal. The new agreement, valued at an astounding $76 billion, introduces fresh broadcasting partnerships while extending existing collaborations. As the existing nine-year deal worth $24 billion will conclude at the end of the 2024-25 season, the new 11-year contract will commence with the 2025-26 season and extend through the 2035-36 season.
The latest deal brings on board a diverse array of media platforms. New partners include a prominent media company, a broadcasting giant, and a leading streaming service. This strategic move aims to maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games, a point emphasized by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “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.
Continuing Collaborations and New Ventures
The deal ensures that ABC and ESPN will remain pivotal in broadcasting key NBA events. The networks will continue to air NBA Finals games and will cover one of the two conference finals series in 10 out of the agreement's 11 years. Additionally, ABC and ESPN will televise Christmas Day games, marquee Saturday and Sunday regular-season matchups, and approximately 18 games in the first two rounds of the postseason each year.
A new broadcasting company will also play a significant role. This broadcaster will cover one of the conference finals series for six of the 11 years and will provide comprehensive coverage of the All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Saturday night, opening night, and Sunday night primetime games. Their streaming service will handle around 28 games in the first two rounds of the playoffs each season.
Prime Video, the streaming arm of Amazon, will be streaming one of the conference finals series for six of the 11 years. It will also carry the NBA Cup games, Play-In Tournament games, and stream about one-third of the first and second postseason rounds each year. This inclusion marks a significant move towards digital and streaming services, expanding the scope of how fans can consume NBA content.
A Major Financial Windfall
The colossal $76 billion valuation of the new deal represents a substantial increase in the NBA’s revenues, roughly 2.6 times the current income generated from national media. The combined earnings of the 30 NBA teams stood at approximately $10.6 billion in 2023, with national television revenue being the largest contributor. The new agreement's financial boon is expected to further inflate franchise values and player salaries, cementing the NBA's economic prowess.
The salary cap, which cannot increase by more than 10% per year, is anticipated to rise by the maximum each year starting with the 2025 offseason. This financial stability and growth underscore the NBA's expanding influence and commercial success.
Farewell to a Long-Standing Partnership
One notable exclusion from the new deal is Warner Bros. Discovery, which has been a staple in NBA broadcasting through Turner Sports since 1989. Turner Sports has delivered acclaimed programming such as "Inside the NBA," which is expected to conclude its current format by the end of the upcoming season. The NBA acknowledged Turner Sports' contribution, stating, “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.”
Future Prospects
The primary objective of this sweeping new deal, as expressed by the NBA, is to ensure the extensive reach and accessibility of games for fans. “Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans,” the NBA stated. This focus on fan engagement and reach aligns with the modern trend of diversified media consumption, tailoring the NBA’s presence across multiple platforms to meet the evolving demands of its global audience.
The financial influx and broadened media footprint this deal represents are poised to influence the NBA profoundly over the next decade. As the league transitions into this new era of broadcast partnerships, fans can expect enhanced viewing experiences and greater access to one of the world’s premier basketball organizations.