Exciting times are ahead for NBA fans! The National Basketball Association (NBA) is on the brink of finalizing multi-year media rights deals with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. These fresh arrangements promise to significantly elevate the league’s television presence, tripling the current rights fee and terminating its longstanding relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery. This move could prompt Warner Bros. Discovery to consider legal action due to the intricate details of their matching rights clause. The Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend was first to break this buzzing news.
As per the reported terms, Disney (ESPN/ABC) is set to pay a staggering $2.8 billion annually for the “A” package, which includes the NBA Finals, a conference final, and weekly primetime games, along with WNBA and international basketball rights that are likely to be shared. This deal continues Disney’s partnership with the NBA, which has been strong since the 2002-03 season. With a star-studded lead broadcast team, including Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and JJ Redick, Disney looks poised to attract even more viewers than the impressive 1.7 million average from last season.
NBCUniversal, making a grand re-entry into NBA broadcasting, is set to invest $2.6 billion per year for the “B” package. This deal breaks down to a conference final, conference semifinals, and two weekly primetime windows. In a nod to Sunday night football, NBC is considering a Basketball Night in America – a move sure to rekindle the glory days of NBA on NBC, last seen in the 2001-02 season.
Amazon is also making headlines by entering the ring and reportedly prepared to dish out between $1.8 billion and $2 billion for its package. This partnership will introduce the NBA to a global streaming audience with rights to the Emirates In-Season Tournament, So-Fi Play-In Tournament, and more, including first-round playoff games, WNBA, and international rights – marking a first for the NBA collaborating with a digital streaming platform.
Before these deals can be signed and sealed, final modifications will be made in the coming days or weeks, needing ratification by respective boards. Warner Bros. Discovery, if intending to match NBCUniversal’s bid, faces a hefty challenge. The specifics make a financial match seem improbable, hinting at legal fireworks on the horizon.
What do you think about the NBA’s upcoming media deals and the potential shake-ups in broadcasting? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation going! And don’t forget to share this story with fellow NBA enthusiasts.
