The National Basketball Association (NBA) has unveiled an 11-year global media rights agreement with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. This groundbreaking deal, valued at an estimated $76 billion, will span from the 2025-26 season through the 2035-36 season. The partnership promises to significantly enhance game coverage for audiences in the United States and around the world, while also bolstering the financial value of NBA teams and the salaries of its top athletes.
While specific financial details of the agreement were not officially disclosed, reputable sources such as ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes have reported the impressive $76 billion figure. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his enthusiasm for the new agreements, 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 deals represent a significant shift in the NBA’s media landscape, marking the end of its long-standing relationship with Warner Brothers Discovery. The league announced that it had declined Warner Brothers Discovery’s bid to retain its broadcasting rights, which would have continued the NBA’s presence on Turner Sports. According to the NBA, the terms offered by Warner Brothers Discovery did not match those proposed by Amazon Prime Video, prompting the league to pursue a long-term arrangement with the latter. “Warner Brothers Discovery’s most recent proposal did not match the terms of Amazon Prime Video’s offer and, therefore, we have entered into a long-term arrangement with Amazon,” the NBA stated.
The primary objective of these new deals is to maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games. The agreements with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon are designed to complement existing broadcast, cable, and streaming packages, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse viewing experience for fans. “All three partners have also committed substantial resources to promote the league and enhance the fan experience,” the NBA added.
As part of the new agreements, US coverage of NBA games will continue on Disney-owned ESPN and ABC, as well as NBC and its streaming service Peacock. Amazon Prime Video will also become a key player, broadcasting a variety of games and tournaments. ABC and ESPN will maintain their roles as the primary television homes for the NBA Finals, Christmas Day games, and regular Wednesday and weekend matchups. NBC will air opening night games and Sunday and Tuesday telecasts, with Peacock handling Monday games and NBA All-Star coverage. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video will broadcast the NBA Cup, the NBA Play-In Tournament to determine the final playoff qualifiers, and games on Thursday and Friday nights. Additionally, it will serve as a global destination for NBA League Pass telecasts.
The NBA’s decision to partner with these media giants is expected to bring substantial benefits to the league and its fans. By leveraging the diverse platforms and extensive reach of Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, the NBA aims to enhance the viewing experience and engage a broader audience. This strategic move aligns with the league’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its global footprint.
The upcoming NBA season will be the last to feature US coverage on Turner Sports, a long-time partner of the league. In a statement, the NBA expressed its gratitude to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage, stating, “We’re grateful to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage of the NBA and look forward to another season of the NBA on TNT.”
These new media rights deals mark a transformative chapter in the NBA’s history, promising to deliver unparalleled access and engagement for fans worldwide. As the league continues to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape, this partnership with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon sets the stage for an exciting and prosperous future for professional basketball.
