The National Basketball Association (NBA) has secured new media rights agreements with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon, rejecting a competing bid from Warner Bros. Discovery. This landmark deal, set to commence in the 2025-26 season, will see the companies collectively paying over $76 billion over 11 years, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
Boost in Annual Revenue
This substantial increase in annual revenue underscores the enduring significance of live sports programming, even as the entertainment industry shifts towards streaming platforms. The NBA’s decision to partner with Amazon aims to maximize the reach and accessibility of games for fans.
Statement from the NBA
“Throughout these negotiations, our primary objective has been to maximize the reach and accessibility of our games for our fans,” the NBA stated. “Our new arrangement with Amazon supports this goal by complementing the broadcast, cable, and streaming packages that are already part of our new Disney and NBCUniversal arrangements.”
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Response
Warner Bros. Discovery expressed disappointment in the NBA’s decision. “In rejecting our bid, the league is rejecting the many fans who continue to show their unwavering support for our best-in-class coverage,” the company said in a statement.
Impact on Fans and Viewership
The new agreements, which also include some WNBA games, are more than two and a half times the average annual value of the league’s current rights deals. This move is expected to enhance the viewing experience for basketball fans by offering more comprehensive and accessible coverage across various platforms.
Conclusion
The NBA’s new media rights agreements with Disney, Comcast, and Amazon mark a significant shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting. These deals promise to bring unprecedented access and coverage to basketball fans, while also significantly boosting the league’s revenue.