In a monumental shift for sports broadcasting, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has inked a historic $77 billion media-rights deal, choosing Disney’s ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and Comcast’s NBCUniversal over the long-time partner Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT.
Disney will pay an annual fee of $2.6 billion to continue showcasing NBA games on ESPN and ABC. This is a substantial increase from their previous $1.5 billion yearly deal. Disney’s new package includes 80 regular-season games, the NBA Finals, early-round playoff games, and conference finals in 10 seasons, all accessible on ESPN’s forthcoming streaming service.
NBCUniversal will shell out $2.5 billion annually to broadcast games on NBC and its Peacock streaming service. Their package boasts 100 regular-season games per season, along with first and second-round playoff games and six conference finals series.
Amazon Prime Video enters the fray with a $1.9 billion yearly commitment for a streaming package that includes 66 regular-season games, featuring Thursday and Friday double-headers starting in January, select Saturday afternoon games, play-in tournament games, early playoff coverage, and six conference finals series.
Warner Bros. Discovery, which had the option to match any rival bid to keep NBA games on TNT, is facing a contentious battle. The NBA dismissed Warner’s proposal, stating it did not meet Amazon’s terms. TNT, in response, has declared the NBA’s rejection a misinterpretation of their contractual rights and is preparing for potential legal action.
These deals underscore the crucial role of sports rights in attracting audiences to traditional TV while also catering to a streaming-dominated future. They highlight the increasing influence of technology companies in sports broadcasting.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized that these agreements will enhance the accessibility of NBA games both domestically and globally. Media company executives echoed this sentiment, noting that the NBA’s presence will help boost and retain subscribers on their platforms, especially targeting younger and more diverse demographics.
The deal also secures media-rights for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), with 25 regular-season games on Disney’s platforms, 50 on NBCUniversal’s, and 30 on Prime Video.
The NBA’s decision to reject TNT’s offer and embrace new partners marks a significant transition in sports media, reflecting the shifting landscape where streaming services are becoming as pivotal as traditional TV networks. This landmark deal not only redefines the NBA’s media strategy but also sets a precedent for future sports broadcasting rights negotiations.
(Source: ESPN | CNBC | Sports Illustrated)
